Research is not intuitive.  

You are not born knowing how to find information or write papers.  The research process involves critical thinking skills that must be learned just like any other skill.  

In order to do a research paper you must:

• Recognize that you have an information need--you cannot write a term paper off the top of your head.  You must refer to the writings of others.

• Choose an appropriate topic for your term paper.  You probably shouldn't write a paper about auto repair in a sociology class.  You must understand enough about the subject to select a topic.

• Learn to select and use books and information finding tools available in the AVC Library.  Believe us when we say that everything is NOT on the Internet.

• Analyze and evaluate the information that you find.  Not all information is created equal.  Just because it is in print doesn't make it true.

• Cite the sources you used to write your paper.  You must give credit to the authors of articles, books, Web sites or other types of materials.  If you do not cite your sources properly, you may unwittingly commit plagiarism.  If you are unsure what constitutes plagiarism, see your instructor.

Tick, Tick, Tick...

When you come to the library please set aside at least an hour for your initial research. 

And remember, good research techniques and habits must be learned.  The better you are at doing the research for a paper, the better the paper is likely to be.