Student Research Guide

Begin your research project with this guide. Print it out and fill in the blanks. It will help you to use your time effectively and to organize your thoughts as you find information.

My research topic is :

What do I want to learn about my topic?

Do I need a picture? A map? Other illustrations?

Words that relate to my topic (list search terms):

Here are some useful tools for finding information.
Check if you think you'll need :
___ the library catalog (to locate books, videos, CD-Roms and more)
___ a dictionary
___ a general encyclopedia : print and electronic
___ a specialized encyclopedia : print and electronic (animals, science, people, countries, etc.)
___ an atlas (maps)
___ an almanac (up-to-date facts and statistics)
___ MCPL's Homework Help page (www.monroe.lib.in.us/childrens/kidsed.html)
___ internet search tools
___ magazine and newspaper articles
___ a librarian (who can help you find all of the above!)

Things to remember:

Look for a table of contents, index, or search window to find words that relate to your topic.
Take notes to describe and to remember what you've learned.
Write down a citation for each source you use. Include information such as author, title, publisher, year, web address, etc.
Find out how to cite a source at : http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/childrens/cite.html
Ask a librarian if you need help!

MCPL 2002

Student Research Guide

Developed by Children's Services Librarian Mary D'Eliso for MCPL Children's Services (2002)