When students begin research, the key mistake they often make is going straight to the Web or straight to the library catalog to try to find the information they need. That step is properly in fact a middle step in a larger research and writing process. The parts of that larger process - including how to use both the Web and the library - are explained in the following sections.

Set up a general search strategy

Use primary and secondary sources

Do original research

Make a research outline for using the library and the Web

Find things out for yourself

Be open to serendipity

Take notes

Manage sources and quotations

Manage and evaluate electronic sources

To continue the section on Writing Research Paper,


1. Selecting a topic


2. Researching your topic


3. Writing your paper