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How to Research Guide

Getting Started

Research needs and requirements vary with each assignment, project, or paper. Although there is no single “right” way to conduct research, certain methods and skills can make your research efforts more efficient and effective.

If you have questions or can’t find what you need, contact the Library

Developing a Research Topic

All research starts with a question.

 

Additional resources:

Using the Library to Find Research Materials

The Library is the top resource when it comes to locating and accessing research materials.

  • Use the library search box to find materials such as e-books, journal articles, videos, datasets and more
  • Search databases to find articles, book chapters, and other sources within a specific subject area or discipline.
  • For materials the Library does not own, use Interlibrary Loan and we will get the article or book chapter for you. 
  • Check out our library guides for lists of resources curated by DU Librarians. Browse by subject or find guides specific to a course.
     

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Evaluating Sources

When using a e-book, article, report, or website for your research, it is important to gauge how reliable the source is. Visit the following links to for help on evaluating sources.

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Citing Sources

When writing a research paper, it is important to cite the sources you used in a way that would enable a reader to easily find them.

Additional Resources

This content is adapted from Cornell University Library, Getting Started with Library Research.