DEFINE TOPIC

DEFINE TOPIC Red Curved Arrow with Wording 'Define Topic'

Animated Image of Construction Worker with Jackhammer

LIBRARY RESEARCH = CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

The library research process can be easily compared to a "construction project." In order to pass building inspections and withstand environmental pressures, structures need a rock-solid foundation. Similarly in completing a term paper project, the researcher must establish a solid foundation for the analysis of a given subject. This foundation should enable the project to pass the instructor's grading "inspections," and endure the pressures of a critical review. "DEFINE TOPIC" is the initial step in a successful library research process.

At the beginning of a building project, the contractor reviews the architectural blueprints that specify exactly what type of structure is to be built and what materials are to be used in the construction. In a similar fashion, you as the "contractor" must review the specifics of your library research project that are provided in your course syllabus. The syllabus or the instructor's verbal instructions will identify what the nature of the research is and will often specify what types of sources should be used in the research. In doing so, make a checklist of the what the research project demands.

Use the library's collection of reference books and electronic databases to begin the research process. Dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, manuals, almanacs, bibliographies, CD-ROM resources, LAN databases, etc. provide overview sources for background of information on a topic and help develop a research framework for a more detailed analysis. Note that the various sources provide different types of information.

Dictionaries and encyclopedias = brief definitions or expanded descriptions

Handbooks & manuals = explanations of the "mechanics" of how things work

Almanacs = statistical information

Bibliographies = lists of additional book, magazine, journal, etc.sources on a specific subject

CD-ROM resources / LAN databases = specialized sources

This overview background enables the researcher to get a complete scan of the various aspects of a topic and explore all the "nooks and crannies." It identifies other related subject areas, spot lighting the interrelationships that may exist. This is especially useful if you have not settled on a specific topic or are unfamiliar with an assigned subject area since it leads to other similar or related subject areas.

The research framework provides these secondary benefits:

a) it identifies other book and journal resources for additional research since most articles contain a bibliography of sources
b) it serves as an "early warning indicator" of the difficulty of researching a given subject by noting at the outset the ease or difficulty in locating reference sources on the subject
c) it provides the researcher with specific vocabulary words and phrases on the desired subject area.

Lightbulb With Animated Wording 'IDEA' Flashing Above It The end result of "DEFINE TOPIC" is that the user now has a clearer understanding of the desired topic, and can begin to blend the different aspects into a focused picture for library research. The researcher now has the needed information and understanding to develop a successful THESIS STATEMENT, and is now ready for the next phase of library research, DEVISE STRATEGY.

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