SIX EASY STEPS TO COMPLETING THAT TERM PAPER!

 

Step 1: START EARLY

Step 2: Are you having trouble pinning down a topic?

(a) Talk to your instructor

(b) Talk to a librarian. We provide specialized research assistance.Come to room 104, in the library, to see the reference secretary about making an appointment with thelibrarian who specializes in your topic area.

 Step 3: Use relevant databases and other resources to find articles and books about  your topic. Need Help?

  • Stop at the Reference Desk for suggestions from a librarian concerning what database(s) to use and how to use them.
  • For more detailed help attend a Friday Research Clinic anytime between 11-1 p.m. in room 114 in the University Library. Friday workshops provide "hands-on experience" with computer resources in this library. You will receive one-on-one help using the CD ROM databases, the Internet, and the Research Workstations which include the Library Catalog, Databases, and access to Other Libraries. Find out how to access the Library Catalog from home. To save time learn how to download from the databases as well as how to email search results from the Library Catalog.

Step 4: Use the Library Catalog to locate book and articles you have already identified in Step 3. Make sure to keep a record of sources for producing your bibliography. For items we do not own, ask a librarian how to use Document Delivery or LINK+ (formerly known as CSULink) to obtain the materials. These services are free to students, faculty and staff. When using Document Delivery the following are general guidelines concerning the time usually required for delivery of the materials: most articles are usually obtained within 2-3 working days; books are usually received within 7-10 working days. So heed Step 1 and start early.

Step 5: Read, synthesize, and analyze material. Do the first writing of your paper.

Step 6: Proofread your paper for clarity, typos, and grammar even if a spell checker is used. Place the paper aside for a while. Later proofread it again. Better yet have a friend proofread it for you. Make corrections and changes.

 

 

Questions, comments or feedback to: Emma C. Gibson

Updated January 23,1999