This page gives 5 steps to help get you started with research and follows this tutorial video.

2. Using search terms

Many of us are used to typing our questions right into the Google Search bar rather than utilizing search terms and keywords as well as Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT). Learning how to create better search terms will help you find appropriate sources quickly and efficiently.

There are other ways to search efficiently. You can use quotations to search an entire phrase that you are looking for, such as "cell organelles." Using site:gov or site:edu in your search will limit your search to those URLs (government sites and educational sites, respectively). For example, the search bar below will show us just educational sites about "cell organelles."

3. Evaluating our sources

Evaluating a website is a multi-step process that takes practice. One way to do this is to utilize a checklist like the CRAAP test (stands for currency, relevance, authority, accuracy & purpose); however, remember that these are factors to think critically about in all facets of our online life. One key aspect of evaluating websites is evaluating bias. The website can have a bias, or slant, towards one opinion over another, and we as the reader can bring our own personal biases based on our lived experiences. It is important to think about both when looking at a site.

4. Using databases & encyclopedias

A list of our digital resources can be found on our library website here (hint: they may ask for you to authenticate your location in New York State). Using databases is a way to ensure that you are using a reputable, current source that has been fact-checked (it always passes the CRAAP test!).

Databases provide links to journal articles and reference materials while encyclopedias are a specific type of database that just provide general information (like Wikipedia, but better). You can get important keywords to help you with your search from encyclopedia articles. In addition, databases provide additional tools - they can create a citation, read or translate the article, and allow you to highlight important information. Don’t know where to start? I linked a few good ones to search below. Remember to use your search terms and Boolean operators (and, or, not) with databases (they aren’t great at answering questions).

5. Giving credit where credit is due

We always want to give credit to the sources that we use for our research, EVEN if we paraphrase and don’t quote them directly. Your statements are more powerful if you can back them up with evidence, claims, and counterclaims from reputable sources, and you want to make sure your reader knows that these are facts you found. For some assignments it might be okay to provide a link or list of links, but others may ask you to complete a proper Works Cited page with citations. Remember that links are required for diagrams and photos, too.

Here are some helpful hints:

• How to create a Works Cited page (LibGuide)

• How to create a link and change display text (video)

• How to search for a Google Images under Creative Commons License (video)

• Example of a link (left) and full citation (right) from a picture of Malala from Encyclopedia Britannica:

Good luck with your research!

If you still have questions, reach out to your teacher or the librarian, Mrs. Chapman.