RES-Gather+Information

Step Three: How do I begin my research?
Use the questions, keywords, and list of sources you created in Step Two to help you locate your sources. Start looking in the following places (use your keywords in the search boxes): ** [|BHS Library Catalog] BHS Subscription Databases (for use outside of library, see librarian for passwords) [|Brookline Public Library] [|Boston Public Library]
 * Locate Your Sources

**Tips for Searching on the Internet** [|Tips for searching Google] [|Boolean Logic]

Skim and Scan Your Sources Once a source is in your hand, skim and scan each it to determine if it will be helpful. ([|Things to look for].) Ask yourself if it looks like this source will be useful in answering your research questions. Can you understand the information? If you answer yes, then create a complete citation for this source. If the answer is no, still jot down the title in case you need to refer back it.

Online Tools to Create a Citation **- BHS uses the MLA format [|Son of Citation Machine] NoodleBib
 * Create Bibliographic Citations for Your Sources

If your are planning to use a website, put it to the test. BHS Web Evaluation Sheet
 * Evaluate Your Sources **

[|Put Your Website to the Test] [|Quick]
 * Tutorials on Web Evaluation**

Much of what you find on your topic on the free web will be repetitious. Avoid using sources with the same information.

** Read and Take Notes ** **See Social Study Handbook for methods of notetaking.**

Be selective when taking notes. Only write down information that will be useful in answering your research questions. Remember to include the page number or web address for all the information you collect. When taking notes, make sure you use quotations when copying text word for word.

**Plagiarism** Make sure you give credit where credit is due. Sources are cited for three reasons. One is to give credit to the author's ideas or words you used, and the other is to allow the reader to check where you obtained your information from so they can check your research and follow up on the sources you used.

Keeping track of your sources will help you avoid plagiarism, help you find where you obtained your information from, and help you create your bibliography for your research project.

[|Tutorial on Plagiarism] **Once you have looked at and taken notes from a variety of sources, you are ready to move on to [|Step Four],** Refine and Continue Your Research.