Introduction to academic research

Academic research is is a multi-step process that doesn't always go in a straight line; you may find yourself returning to previous stages as you refine your topic. Steps include

• Choosing and focusing a research topic
• Finding background information about your topic
• Finding books that give information about your topic
• Finding articles that give information about your topic
• Evaluating the information your have found
• Citing the information you use in your research

We recommend you become familiar with the types of sources required for your research project:

• Information timeline
• Types of information sources
• Background information resources
• Libraries and the Web
• Primary, secondary, and tertiary sources
• Magazines, trade journals, and scholarly journals

At any stage during the research process, you can get help from a librarian by using the Ask a Librarian chat and email service, emailing or phoning a librarian or in person at one of the reference desks.