Research Paper Planner: Library

Research Paper Planner

If you are facing a large research paper assignment and need a little extra help managing your time and making the most efficient use of resources, this guide can help!

Overview of steps in the research process:

Define Topic
Decide Types of Information
Identify and Gather Materials
Evaluate
Use

Course: ____________________________________________________________________________

Due Date: __________________

Interim Due Dates:	____________ Outline Draft	____________ Draft
	____________ Working Bibliography	____________ Other

Style Manual or Guide you should use: ______________________

1. Define Topic

You may need background information to assist in topic selection or definition.

Assignment / Thesis Statement:

Nature of assignment:

__ research paper __ speech __ very specific information, such as statistics
__ other

Length: (number of pages) _______________

2. Identify Types of Materials Needed

How many of what kinds of materials should you have: (your professor may specify this)

	____ books
	____ reference books (good for background information)
	____ magazine articles
	____ journal articles
	____ newspaper articles
	____ Internet
	____ Other (maps, legal resources, government publications, manuscripts, videos, etc.)

Identify and Gather Materials

Materials you need	Where to look
books	use DELCAT or WorldCat Local catalogs
reference books	find in the Reference Room, Reference & Statistics Databases, or Virtual Reference Desk
magazine articles	use a general resource, such as the Academic OneFiledatabase
journal articles	use a general resource, such as Academic OneFile or a subject-specific resource (select your subject or course from the Research Guides, then select the Databases or Articles tab)
newspaper articles	use a newspaper resource, such as, LexisNexis Academic database or the historical New York Times database
other (maps, legal resources, government publications, manuscripts, videos, etc.)	Ask a Librarian

For each resource you use, create a list of likely terms to enter as subject and/or keyword. Note: different resources may require different search terms.

Resource 1

__________________________________________________________
Keywords / Search Terms / Subject Headings

List any problems you encounter that you will need to check with a librarian or your professor:

__________________________________________________________

Resource 2

__________________________________________________________
Keywords / Search Terms / Subject Headings

List any problems you encounter that you will need to check with a librarian or your professor:

__________________________________________________________

Resource 3

__________________________________________________________
Keywords / Search Terms / Subject Headings

List any problems you encounter that you will need to check with a librarian or your professor:

__________________________________________________________

Resource 4

__________________________________________________________
Keywords / Search Terms / Subject Headings

List any problems you encounter that you will need to check with a librarian or your professor:

__________________________________________________________

Hints:

Think like a detective: did the search bring up articles pertinent to your topic? Why not?
Print, save to file, or email your search results.

Evaluate Your Sources

Do you have enough sources? Are they the appropriate type? Are they authoritative?
Evaluating Your Sources

Use: Working Bibliography, Notes, Writing

Consult guides on research and writing
Consult the University Writing Center
Use Style Manuals and guides to using styles
Most electronic sources allow downloading or e-mailing of citations; you can create your reference list more easily if you take advantage of such features

Getting Help in Using University of Delaware Library Resources (You are not alone!)

Information Desk or Reference Desk

Provides assistance in finding locations and service desks
Assists in using library resources, including DELCAT
Provides assistance in using library resources, including Library databases and Internet
Assists with reference and research questions
FAQ
Virtual Reference Desk

Circulation Desk Main Floor, Morris Library (302) 831-2455. AskCirc

Provides check-out/check-in of books and other library materials
Handles questions specific to check-out policies, e.g., renewals, recalls, overdues, etc.

Requesting Materials Not Held by the UD Library

From Library home page, click on Interlibrary Loan
If you have not set up an account, follow the instructions.
Allow 1 - 3 days for articles and 14 days for books
Office is located on Main Floor, Morris Library

Need More Help? Ask a Librarian

AskRef (E-mail Reference service)
- Answers brief factual questions
- Assists with research strategy or suggesting appropriate databases
AskRef LIVE! (Web-based Reference Service)
- Allows you to talk back and forth to a librarian
- Assists with using databases and other library resources
AskRef Instant Messsenger
- Get help by using your instant messaging account

With thanks to Indiana State University Library

This page is maintained by the Reference Department. Last modified: 03/30/12