Research @ the Library:Information Needs Checklist
Before you search, use this checklist to plan out what kinds of information youneed. This will save you time later on, and help you find better resources.
Research Topic/Question: __________________________________________ Key Words: ___________ ___________ ___________ _________ _________
Check all that apply:
1.Assignment Requirements
Type of assignment
(essay, research, compare-contrast, etc.)
:______________
Minimum number of sources to consult: _________________
2.Timeframe
Current information
(e.g., published in last 3, 5 years or 10 years)
Historical information
(do you need to look at the history of the topic?)
3.Place
Limit topic by geographic location?Countries or region(s): _________________________________
4.Publication Type
What kinds of materials might contain useful information?
Reference Materials
(definitions, encyclopedia entries, etc.)
Journals
Magazines
Newspapers
Books
Websites
Government documents/reports
Multimedia
(images, video, audio, etc.)
5.Information Type
Peer-reviewed/scholarly journals
Popular periodicals
(National Geographic, Time, etc.)
Primary sources
(original research or account of event)
Secondary sources
(interpretation of others' work)Center for Learning and TechnologySUNY Empire State College- 1 - 7/10/08
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