Research Process Toolkit
This tutorial toolkit is a collection of Western Libraries tutorials specific to the research process. Organized as a step by step series from the beginning to the end of the research process, this toolkit helps equip undergraduate students with essential research skills along with the knowledge of various ways the Library can help.
- Finding the Right Search Tools - gathering broad background ideas on your topic
- Coming Up with Search Terms - tools to help develop and define your ideas
- Search Strategies - tools to help refine your ideas
- Getting Library Stuff- tips & tricks using library resources for your topic
- Reading and Evaluating Sources - critically evaluate your sources of information
- Reading - tips on how to read a scholarly article
- Keeping Your Library Stuff Organized - keeping track and managing all your work
- Help - sources of help from Western Libraries and the Writing Support Centre
Finding the Right Search Tools
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Picking the Right Database There are many databases out there but which one is best for your subject? (3:24) |
Coming Up with Search Terms
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Developing Search Terms Tips on brainstorming for additional search terms to help you get the best results. (2:57) |
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Reference Tools Dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks and bibliographies give you a broad scope of your topic to help you gain a better understanding for your research or assignment. (0:58) |
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Concept Mapping Plan your search with a visual representation of your search terms |
Search Strategies
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Putting Together Your Search Terms Tips on creating effective search strategies. (1:35) |
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Refining Your Search with Fields Tips & tricks for narrowing down your search results. (1:22) |
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How to Find Books Three tips on how to find books in the library. (1:10) |
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Revising Your Search Strategy Helpful search tips to use when you can't find any sources on your topic. (1:45) |
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Keeping a Search Log Help to keep track of your searches effectively. |
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Two Ways to Search a Database Tips on how to search in a database. (2:12) |
Getting Library Stuff
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Introduction to call numbers How to read those letters and numbers on the spine of a library book. (2:25) |
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Journal Abbreviations How to find full journal titles and journal title abbreviations. |
Reading and Evaluating Sources
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RADAR This interactive module will show you how to evaluate all your information. |
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Evaluating Sources Criteria to help you critically evaluate sources of information and ensure that you're only using quality sources. (2:16) |
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The Peer Review Process What is it? Why is it important to know about it? (1:56) |
Reading
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How to Read a Scholarly Article Tips on skimming and digesting scholarly journal articles. (2:34) |
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Annotated Bibliography What is an annotated bibliography? Why write one? What kinds of sources should you annotate? |
Keeping Your Library Stuff Organized
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Benefits of Using a Citation Management Tool Managing a list of references, citations, sources and information can be a frustrating and a lengthy process. Fortunately, there is a solution! (1:32) |
Help
| Western Libraries Help | |
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Anytime! Help is available! |
| Writing Support Help | |
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Need Help with Your Writing? Workshops, wrting counselling, drop in services, seminars, clinics |
Contact us for more assistance
