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Step 3--Finding Information Sources
Before you begin writing a paper it helps to think about the kind and amount of
information you will need. Do you need facts, statistics, laws, opinions, research or case
studies, etc.? Do you need the latest information (science and technology topics) or the
historical development of an issue (political, educational, or social topics)? Where will
you find the information? In books, magazines, journals, newspapers, electronic databases,
on the internet? Maybe you want to find an expert and interview him/her.
Make sure the resource fits the research.
Two basic kinds of sources used in researching a topic are:
- Directional sources such as online catalogs, periodical indexes, bibliographies
and the Library of Congress subject headings list. These sources will help you locate what
you are looking for in the information sources.
- Information sources such as general & specialized encyclopedias, specialized
reference books (dictionaries, handbooks, etc.), books, magazine and journal articles,
online databases, and the internet.
- How to find books
- How to find articles
- How to find information on the internet
- How to find videos or sound recordings
Go to Step 4.
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