1. HOW TO CONDUCT LIBRARY RESEARCH

2. TIPS ON RESEARCH
TIP 1
Students often start their research by using the Internet: The tip here is to realise that basic information can often be quicker and easier to find in a book and encyclopaedia.

3. TIPS ON RESEARCH
TIP 2
Be sure you understand the question you are trying to find the answer for: If you find it difficult to explain it to someone else, then go back to your tutor/teacher and check your understanding

4. TIPS ON RESEARCH
TIP 3
If the title of the book doesn’t appear to relate exactly to a research question, then is it relevant?: The tip here is to look through the contents AND the index

5. TIPS ON RESEARCH
TIP 4
Use the Library Catalogue: Even if you’ve been shown how to use the catalogue, it’s easy to forget. Do ask for advice and help — it feels good when you know how.

6. TIPS ON RESEARCH
TIP 5
Some students sometimes think they are using the Internet for an hour for assignment research, when what actually happens is this:
10 minutes spent on research - with lots printed out!
20 minutes on checking and sending s
20 minutes on general sites — shopping/music/cars/soaps/phones/films
10 minutes on research — with more printing

7. TIPS ON RESEARCH
This is probably part of your working or learning style, but it is not effective as a research strategy.
You need a sense of purpose, so how about analysing your research topic, then making a list of 4 or 5 questions you want answers to
Keep your searching focused and ask for help if you get stuck.

8. TIPS ON RESEARCH TIP 6 Can you believe everything you read on screen?:
NO is the short answer. The web address (URL) gives clues about the information
Most websites don't belong to companies or organisations.
They are often published as a hobby or for political reasons.
They can be:
inaccurate
out of date
biased

9. TIPS ON RESEARCH
TIP 7
A website is likely to be unofficial if the address (URL):
does not include any of the following: gov, ac, .co.uk, org, .com at the end of the address
it is very long
includes free web hosting companies such as Yahoo, AOL, geocities or freewebspace
The more you use the web, the more familiar you'll become with different URLs

10. TIPS ON RESEARCH
The most reliable websites are often set up by official organisations and businesses. They can often be identified by their web address. For example:
.com The "standard" ending to web address often used by commercial organisations
.org Generally used by not for profit organisations
.co.uk A company's website based in the UK
.ac.uk or .sch.uk University, schools and colleges

11. TIPS ON RESEARCH
TIP 8
Be organised – planning time use is essential when there are many demands on your time.
Make sure that you set aside one or more periods of time each week when you devote yourself to research and don’t let other demands impinge on this time.