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Library & Research Overview

A guide to using the CIA Library and conducting basic academic research.

Steps to Effective Library Research

Before we start...

One major difference between secondary school and university is the need to use mostly scholarly sources for research. This guide will take you through the essential steps of conducting research for your projects at the CIA.

Research is a key part of critical thinking and higher education. It allows you to form your own perspective on complex topics by building on the credible work of others. While it might be tempting to reuse arguments you find, doing so is not only considered plagiarism, but it also prevents you from developing your own voice in scholarly discussions. Research is a conversation, connecting past and present ideas, and your contribution matters.

 

Check these resources for more information on Research Process:

Identifying information needs

The first step in the research process is identifying the information you will need to support your project or assignment. This involves selecting a topic, defining your research question, and determining what specific details or aspects you need to explore.

First step: Understand your assignment

  • Start by reviewing your assignment to understand its purpose, requirements, and guidelines. Ask yourself: What is the goal of this research? What are the key questions I need to answer?

Second Step: Select your Topic

  • Choose a topic that fits your assignment and interests. To narrow it down, try phrasing your topic idea as a question. This will help focus your research. Identify the main concepts or keywords within the question, as they will guide your search for relevant sources. 

Looking for some inspiration?

Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Gale) is a great starting point for gathering diverse sources and information for your academic work. You can access full-text magazine and newspaper articles to get multiple perspectives on current issues.

Be sure to check out the Topic Finder tool for inspiration. You can watch the tutorial video if it is your first time using it.

Creating a Search Strategy

A well-planned search strategy helps you find the right information efficiently and effectively. Here is an example of how to create one:

Step 1: Break Down Your Research Question

Once you have identified your topic and question, break it down into key concepts. These are the main ideas or themes that you will search for. For example, if your research question is “How does social media impact mental health in teenagers?”, your key concepts might be “social media,” “mental health,” and “teenagers.”

Step 2: Use Keywords and Synonyms

Think of different words or phrases that relate to your key concepts. These could include synonyms or alternative terms. For example, instead of just searching for “mental health,” you might also use “well-being” or “psychological effects.” Using a variety of terms ensures you cover all possible sources.

TIP: If you are just starting to explore a topic, your initial search strategy can be more flexible. As you gather more information, you can refine your search terms and adjust your approach. Be sure to document your search process as it evolves and keep a record of your final strategy for each database or resource you search.

Keep in mind that searching for information in areas like food studies can be challenging due to the field's broadness and how content is organized. This often results in a lot of irrelevant results, or 'noise,' when using databases not specifically tailored to food-related topics. To develop an effective search strategy, it is important to understand the database you are using, its scope, indexing methods, and structure.

If you have any questions, the librarians are here to guide you. 

Adapted from IFIS University

Choose Your Search Tools to Find Background Information

Once you have identified key terms for your topic, start by searching for them in:

  • Reference sources like encyclopedias, dictionaries, or specialized databases. 
  • Use academic databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, or our library’s catalog for scholarly sources.
  • You can also use trusted news sites, government websites, or books for broader perspectives.

TIP: Review the definitions of terms and pay attention to other related terms or concepts. Are your terms accurate? Background information can help you uncover key issues, events, and people related to your topic. Use this information to refine your search and explore books and articles that expand on these key concepts.

Refine Your Search

Start with a broad search and then narrow it down based on the results. You can refine your search by adding more specific terms or using advanced search filters like publication date, source type, or subject area. Try to avoid overly broad or vague terms that might give you too many irrelevant results.

 

 

Search as a Process

Searching is not a one-time event. It is a cycle: try a search, assess your results, adjust your strategy, and try again.

  • Start with Simple Keyword Searching
    Begin with broad terms and refine as needed.

  • Refine Your Search with Database Options
    Use filters to narrow down your results:

    • Scholarly & Peer-Reviewed
    • Full-Text
    • Publication Date
    • Document Type (e.g., article, book review, letter to the editor)

  • Evaluate Articles
    Start by reading the abstract or summary to quickly assess relevance.

  • Review Your Results
    Look at your search results to identify new terms, concepts, or ideas that could improve your next search.

  • Use Subject Headings & Descriptors
    These are standard terms used to describe the content of articles and can help you find more relevant resources.

  • Use Advanced Search
    Take advantage of advanced search options to combine keywords, subjects, and other filters for more precise results.

Research Tips:

  • Research is an Ongoing Process: Start with an initial search, evaluate your results, refine your strategy, and repeat the process.

  • Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to explore and refine your search.

  • Work from General to Specific: Begin with broader terms and gradually narrow your focus as you find more relevant information.

  • Take Detailed Notes:  Keep track of where you find useful information and the sources you consult.

  • Use Subject Terms: Leverage keywords and subject terms found in databases and catalogs to improve your searches.

  • Consult Bibliographies and References: Review references in relevant articles to discover additional sources and deepen your research.

 

Academic coursework & Research projects 

For academic coursework and research project assignments, it is best to use scholarly or professional resources that are reliable, accurate, and valid. Generally, these types of resources are books and articles that are reviewed before publication but may also include media and websites from authoritative organizations and institutions.

When you conduct a research project or write a paper, you will read articles to see what others have done and then build upon the work created by scholars and professionals.

Articles are found in:

  • Scholarly Journals - A scholarly journal publishes authoritative research articles by academics or experts in a discipline. Scholars share their research with each other through the articles they publish in these journals. This is called scholarly communication. The articles submitted for publication undergo a rigorous review process before being accepted for publication; many use a system called peer-review, that is they are evaluated by other experts who determine if it is an authoritative, valid, original and significant contribution to the field of study.
  • Trade Journals - Professionals in a particular industry share their knowledge and experience with each other in journals and magazines that are usually edited and published by a professional trade association. These articles report on trends, events, innovations, and provide advice for professionals from experts in the industry.

 

What type of source do you need?

Primary sources

Primary sources are the raw materials of research. Types of materials can include items such as manuscripts, documents, diaries, letters; audio and visual media such as photographs, sketches, recordings of interviews; and physical objects (artifacts of material culture) such as tools, utensils, pots, clothes, quilts. Learn more about primary sources.

Secondary Sources

Secondary Sources are the original published writings that analyze and interpret primary sources, typically, books and articles in magazines, newspapers, scholarly journals, and professional and trade journals.

Tertiary Sources

Tertiary Sources are publications that summarize or, in other ways, present the information found in secondary sources. These include textbooks, encyclopedias and other reference resources. These are useful for selecting a topic and getting background information, definitions of terms and concepts, and brief descriptions of key aspects of topics.

 

  • Use Catalogs to Find Books

Begin by conducting a keyword search in the library catalog. Review the search results and identify relevant subject headings. Be sure to note key citation details (author, title, etc.), location information (such as the call number, library, or eBook format), and the circulation status (whether the book is available or checked out).

  • Use Databases to Find Periodical Articles

Search academic databases to find articles related to your topic. Many databases provide full-text access to the articles. Most of these databases can be accessed both on-campus and remotely through your campus network, providing flexibility in your research process.

  • Find Internet Resources

Use search engines and subject-specific directories to locate relevant resources online. However, be cautious: the quality and reliability of information on the internet can vary greatly. Always review the Evaluation Guidelines to ensure the credibility and accuracy of the sources you use.

Review your progress and evaluate your findings

After your initial search, it is important to review and refine your results. Searching is a process: evaluate your findings, adjust your strategy, and try again.

Start with simple keywords, then narrow your results using filters like scholarly articles, full-text access, publication date, and document type. Read the abstract to quickly assess relevance and use subject headings to improve your search.

Next, evaluate the authority and quality of your sources. Ask yourself if the material is biased, comprehensive, and appropriate for your topic. If needed, adjust your search terms or focus to dig deeper into areas requiring more information. Keep repeating the process until you find the best sources for your research.
Learn more about Evaluating Sources.

CITE WHAT YOU FIND USING A STANDARD FORMAT - APA or MLA

Avoid plagiarism and use a style manual to be sure to correctly format your citations for both print and electronic resources. Check with your instructor about which citation style you should use. Learn more about Citing Sources.

Remember: every source you cite within the text of your paper must also appear on your reference or works cited page.

In-text Citations 

Quoting

  • Use quotations when the author’s original words are so special that you cannot reword it.
  • Usually, use quotations for definitions.
  • A good rule of thumb: 1 quotation per page maximum.
     

Paraphrasing

  • Use paraphrasing to tell your reader in your own words what the author had to say, in detail or in general terms.
  • This is most commonly used in academic writing.
  • A good rule of thumb: when writing a literature review, use 2-3 paraphrases per paragraph.

 

If you find text that you plan to quote or paraphrase, be sure to note the page # and citation info, so you don’t have to go back and find it when you write your Works Cited or References page.

Annotate as you read. Cite as you write. Automatic citation and bibliography creation. Organize documents in one fully searchable, easy-to-manage library. Use a free Reference Management Tool to help you keep track of your sources.


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Telephone: 845-451-1747 | Email: library@culinary.edu