FRCC Westminster Campus Library: Research Assistance

Are you tackling a research assignment for the first time or need a refresher on how to begin?

Research assistance is available at the College Hill Library in-person, via live chat, email and a direct phone call. Librarians are happy to help with topic discernment for research papers and essays, keyword searches and database introductions. Contact a librarian to make an appointment for a one-on-one conversation. 

The Information Cycle/Timeline will help you understand how information is generated and becomes available to the public.

Graphic used with permission from Highline College Des Moines, WA 98198

FRCC Interlibrary Loan- (materials from other libraries)

Research Guides- resource outlines for specific topics created by librarians and FRCC faculty.

Main topic- Choose a topic that you are passionate about or a new topic that you want to explore.

Keywords- Think about how people discuss your topic. What words are used to describe and explain it?

Sources- Where have you heard about this topic: social media, newspapers, magazines/professional journals, books?

Books- Look at the online catalog for the library.

Databases- Choose a database to explore topics, find newspaper articles and primary sources. (Your S# is required to access the databases off campus)

Bibliography-This is a list of resources used to compile the information needed for a research paper.

Citations- Professional research always points to other sources to give it broader meaning. Which style are you required to use in your bibliography?