ENG 102 Advanced Research Library Tutorial

Research skills are essential! 

Although you may think you are learning research skills just for this class or for a few college classes, these skills will serve you in your personal and professional lives. You are probably already doing research and may not realize it, such as when you consider and compare products to make a particular purchase as a consumer. You will likely need to research information in a future job. Actively develop your research skills to become more informed and understand this is a lifelong task! 

Recall, from the ENG 101 library tutorial, the general research strategy:

1. Choose a topic.

2. Look for background research to develop a broad understanding of your topic.

3. Evaluate and refine search results.

4. Use sources appropriately.

Know that research will involve "re-searching" and you may become overwhelmed. This is normal and the learning process can be messy (see box below)! Work on keeping your research question management (not too broad or not too narrow). 

Now, let's work on building your research skills beyond what you learned in ENG 101! 

The process of finding information can present many challenges and one of the most highly cited models for the information seeking process in library and information science is the Information Search Process (ISP), developed by Carol Collier Kuhlthau, Professor II Emerita for the Department of Library and Information Science, Rutgers University. According to Kuhlthau's research website, the process of gathering information can be an emotional journey, often guided by feelings, thoughts and actions. Kuhlthau's research states that information seekers may experience uncertainty, frustration, confusion, doubt and optimism throughout the process of gathering information. Be prepared for the research journey to take you on detours! 

While research can be overwhelming and frustrating at times, it can also be rewarding! Keep in mind the following when beginning a new research assignment:

• Don't wait until the last minute to start your paper or project!
• Be realistic. Don't expect your research paper or project to be effortless! The research process does take some thought and time and you may need to change your strategy or even your topic.
• If you have the choice of a topic, you may consider chosing one that you feel passionate or angry about.
• Make sure you understand what you are expected to do in completing the assignment.
• Develop a strategy to complete the assignment but be prepared to adjust this strategy as you encounter challenges.
• Don't go to Google or Wikipedia immediately! The library provides access to many authoritative sources and tools that you should use first.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help! Librarians can help you find appropriate resources for your research assignment and we want you to ask! Your success is our priority.