find:

1. Remove all preconceptions about how to do research.

2. Decide what it is that you really want to find out. Phrase this, out loud if need be, so that another human being can understand it. (No joke! This works.) Verbalizing what you need will help you to focus your research.

3. Figure out which Library and Internet resources are best for finding that particular, focused answer. Go for content, not just for sources that are familiar or fun to use. This is where the librarians can help most.

4. Take your search one step at a time. Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by a complex question; break it down into bits if you have to. Learn to recognize complexity and "bits" when you see them. These are important in the decision-making process.

5. Make sure you understand how to use whatever tool you are using, be it an encyclopedia, a library catalog, a periodical index, a database, or the Internet. Stop and read the instructions or the introduction if you have to. If all else fails, ask somebody who knows.

6. Be persistent. Don't quit looking because (for instance) you don't find anything under "Bill of Rights". Keep looking and rephrasing your question until you hit the jackpot under "United States -- Constitution -- Amendments -- 1st-10th". Remember to ask for help if you are truly stuck.

7. Be focused. It is all very well to let serendipity swoop in to give you ideas. You, however, are the one who needs to control whether you spend the afternoon going after your answer or zooming around on side trails.

If you keep these things in mind, you should get results!

Online Catalog
Use our web-based catalog to find books, audio cassettes, videos, and CD's, plus downloadable books and music.

Periodicals
Use this to find articles in magazines, journals, and newspapers.

Internet Search Engines
Click here for lists of sites we've found to be reliable.

Just looking for something to read?
Click here for some ideas.