The research process is messy and is often one of trial and error. It requires flexibility and the courage to think outside the box. Before embarking on a research assignment, it's important to remember that your research process will probably not follow a straight line from beginning to end and that your thoughts and ideas about your topic may evolve and change as you work through each step.
The following guide is designed to take you through the steps of the research process. As you work through these steps, keep in mind that the members of the library staff are here to help and support you on your journey. We are student-centered and our most important goal is to help you be successful in any way we can.
Personalized research help is available at any stage of the research process – from narrowing down a topic to searching for appropriate and credible sources in the library databases to formatting citations throughout the text of your research papers and in your Works Cited lists. Research help is available via email, in person, or through Zoom. To set up an appointment with a librarian or to ask general questions about library services, email jsm library or use the Ask a Librarian form, available at the top of every page on the library’s website.
IT'S ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO GET STARTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND TO COME SEE A LIBRARIAN EARLY AND OFTEN!