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A+ Research Project

A step-by-step guide to the library research process. Suitable for any topic or writing style - MLA or APA.

RESEARCH!  You have your focused topic, and have completed your background reading.  You have a list of key words, phrases, people, and events.  Now you are ready to get down to business!  Have you noticed that you are not actually writing your paper, yet?

Use the Library Catalog to look for books on your topic.  When you find a book on the shelf that is pertinent to your research, check the books to the right and left.  They may also be valuable for your research.  Use the following strategies to determine usefulness:

  • Skim the table of contents.
  • Check the index in the back of the book to see if your keywords, people, or events are mentioned.
  • Libraries have a "serendipitous" nature, that sometimes means giving up technology to explore.
  • You can have 10 books checked out at one time.
  • Ebooks are a possibility.  These are actual published books that are available electronically.

Definitely, ask the librarian for help!  If you are sick you see a doctor.  If your car needs repair you see a mechanic.  If you need to find information you see a librarian.  Librarians are the experts at finding and researching for information.

TIME MANAGEMENT:  1 hour or so to gather the books.  The librarian can help you locate materials that we do not own.  This does NOT include actually reading and analyzing the material.

Information Timeline

Information Timeline

Library Catalog Quick Search

Library Catalog Search

Use "author" or "subject" instead of "keyword" for more specific results.

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Mott Community College | 1401 E. Court Street | Flint, Michigan 48503 | (810) 762-0200