Research

The Big 6 Information Problem Solving Model  will help you through the research process.

The Big 6:

1. Task Definition
2. Information Seeking Strategies
3. Location & Access
4. Information Use
5. Synthesis
6. Evaluation

More about Step 3 - Location & Access

1. Check the online catalog, Library World, for books on your topic.

2. Use the online databases provided by the State Library to find newspaper, magazine and journal articles.

3. Use these online sources:

• News
• Magazines & Journals
• Encyclopedia
• Dictionary & Thesaurus
• Almanac & Statistics
• Quotes
• Virtual Reference

4. Use a subject directory or a search engine to search the open web.  Notice that this is not the first step you should take. Remember to evaluate any websites you use!

More about Step 4 - Information Use

Citing Your Sources

Remember to cite your sources as you go. Citing your sources will take much longer if you wait until you are finished with your project.

Note Taking

Here are some note-taking options:

• Use index cards as your English teachers have taught you!
• Download this Power Point note-taking template.

Creating an Outline

Inspiration software is available on the library computers.  If you are struggling with your outline, give Inspiration a try!