Library Research: A Quick Guide for Writing Assignments

How do I read an article? 

You do not need to read the whole thing!

• Skim the text, scanning for the information you need.
  • What's the main idea? Repeating keywords or phrases provide clues.
  • Look for greater details or examples that clearly explain the main idea.
• Disregard extraneous information.
• Decide if any portion of the text meets your needs. If not, move on.

Identifying main topics and ideas depending on the source

• First, pre-read by skimming and scanning to gather a sense of the topic
  • Topic terms will be repeated, for example: "time management," "social media," "college students," etc. 
    • Nouns or noun-phrases only identify a topic, they do not provide context or convey meaning 
  •  Main ideas are discussed in sentences and paragraphs within in the articles.
• For non-scholarly articles (resources from Credo Reference, Britannica Library, and magazines, newspapers, or websites):
  • A main idea or thesis statement is often near the beginning of an article or introduction.
  • Main ideas are often restated in the conclusion of an article.
• For peer-reviewed / scholarly articles: 
  • The introduction or abstract clearly states what the author plans to study.
  • Look for the main ideas or findings near the end of the article in the author's conclusion.

Be sure to keep track of the information you find!

To avoid becoming totally overwhelmed by the research process, find an organizational method that works for you BEFORE you begin gathering sources, writing, or constructing a final project. Having your *stuff* together will make writing a paper, preparing a speech, or designing a slide deck much less stressful.

Organizational method | Digital worksheet

The WHY?

• Even if you enjoy handwriting notes or annotating an article printout, it's a good idea to create a digital document, as well. Why? 
  1. Easily link back to a source
  2. Copy and paste citations with their sources 
  3. Keeps your sources, citations, notes, and any other digital materials organized in one spot
  4. Write a rough draft within the document, using main points, details, and examples while avoiding plagiarism

The HOW?

• Use a document/note-taking software that works best for you (e.g. Microsoft Word or OneNote, Google Docs, Apple Pages, etc.)
  • For each source list the following:  
    • Name of the database or website
    • Title of the article
    • Database article permalink (NOT the URL at the top of the browser) to easily access the article again. To find an article link:
      • In Credo Reference click Share above the title of the article
      • In EBSCO databases click Permalink in the right column of the article page
      • In Gale databases click Get Link on the top right of the article page
    • Web page URL 
    • Citation:
      • For database sources:  Copy & paste the source citation (look for the Cite tool). 
      • For web pages:  Record the name of the author, the date of the article, and the publisher of the website (usually a company or organization name) so you can build the citation later.
    • Three main points of the article (at minimum) in your own words
    • Details and/or examples that explain the main points in your own words

Digital worksheet entry | Example

Source #1: Credo Reference (Library Database)

Article Title:

“Benefits”

Article Link: 

https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NDIzMjcyOQ==?q=Employee+benefits&aid=114475

Citation:

Benefits. (2013). In Gale (Ed.), Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law. Gale. Retrieved October 3, 2023, from    https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NDIzMjcyOQ==.

Main Ideas

• Main Idea #1:  Definition of employee benefits
  • Fill in details and/or examples
• Main Idea #2:  List the benefits that are required by law
  • Fill in details and/or examples
• Main Idea #3:  Give examples of benefits that are optional
  • Fill in details and/or examples

Why this article makes for your project:

Jot down the ways you think this article will be useful for your assignment. There may be some time between when you find an article and when you start your paper or presentation. Jotting down your WHY on a digital worksheet now will save you time when you start your project.