Starting your research for an assignment topic
Before starting your assignment check out the following information and links:
- Library Essentials - High Use Collection and Reading ListsThe High Use Collection is available in the Library, these are print core texts available for 3 hour loan.
Check out your Reading List in your units for more study materials.
Creating a concept or keyword list
Selecting the right keywords is important when you begin searching. Keywords are the most important parts of your topic and are necessary to properly communicate with the different research tools you'll be using. Here are some tips to choosing keywords:
- Determine the key concepts for the question
- Never use whole sentences or long statements
- Nouns usually make the best keywords
- Keep adding, subtracting, and replacing keywords you use to find a variety of results
- Expand your list by using synonyms, subject terms, and more specific concepts
- Use combinations of these terms in your searches
Below is an example of a keyword/concept list:
