• Find a basic research system to use, such as Big 6. Check what your school uses, or pick one that works for you. You can find some examples on the library's research help page.
• Find a way to manage your notes and drafts.
• Find out what bibliography format you are expected to use.
• Find a way to schedule your work that works for you.

When You Get the Assignment

• Read the whole assignment and make sure you understand what is required. Ask questions of your instructor now.
• Map out the assignment: list all major jobs and sub-jobs to make sure all of them get done.
• Don't procrastinate: have free time at the end, not the beginning.
• If you get to pick a topic, do some early research. Find out what topics have a lot of information and what have only a little. It can be through browsing a library catalog or using basic reference sources like encyclopedias. Pick a topic that is easier on you, research-wise, by picking one with a lot of available information. If you start early and hit a dead end, you will have more time to change your topic if you need to.
• Make the best of your assignment: pick topics of interest to you, get the most out of the topic for yourself, take an opportunity to learn something new and interesting. Not all research has to be boring.

Preparing to Search

• Find topic keywords. Is there specialized vocabulary for your topic? Read dictionary entries and encyclopedia articles or introductory books to find the best search words. Write down the major ideas, major names, and synonyms to use in your searches later. What is the broader topic name? What are narrower topic names?
• Get help in selecting sources: the librarian is there to help, and can tell you about sources you don't know about yet.
• Keep good notes and cite everything! Use a note taking method that will attach the source citation and page number to each thing you write down. Make sure you can tell the difference between a direct copy from a source and your own paraphrasing in your notes.
• General sources will have more basic information and will be filed under the broader topic name. You will find some information on your topic in these works. You don't have to read the whole thing. Pick and choose the sections you read by using the table of contents and the index, searching with your search words.
• Specialized sources may have information about smaller parts of your whole topic, you will need to combine information from several of these to get the whole picture. Again, read only what you really need, using the table of contents and the index.
• Plan ahead for library visits by using the catalog from home and placing books on hold. Allow time for your holds to arrive.
• Group types of research by where you need to go: school library, public library, or online to minimize trips BUT refining your search may make a second trip necessary!
• When you need to interview someone, keep their schedule in mind, don't assume they can get right back to you. Ask early.

Searching

• Evaluate the information you find: Is it up to date enough? Is the author an expert? Does the author have an agenda that might influence the information they give? Can you find confirmation of their facts? Bad information leads to a bad research paper.
• Works cited in your sources can lead you to other good sources. Use the work other people have already done.
• Read only what you need to read, use the table of contents and index to help you.
• Read and think as you go: it will help you redirect your searching if you need to and means you don't have to read a huge stack of books and printouts all at once.
• Research raises new questions and clarifies your research. Leave yourself time to refine your project and redirect your questions.
• Don't have your final answer in mind! Research should be able to change your mind.

Writing

• Organize your notes: by idea or by topic, make a map of the flow of your argument with support for each piece. This will help you find where your argument needs more support and enable you to look for sources to fill in the gaps.
• Cite all ideas from other sources. Cite all direct quotations. Anything without a citation is assumed to be a generally-known fact or your own original work. If it isn't, that's considered plagiarism.
• Allow plenty of time to write and rewrite, make sure the points you want to make really come across, and make sure all of them are supported by your research.
• Make sure your final product answers the question you were asked in the original assignment: no matter how well you did in research and writing, it won't matter if it doesn't meet the assignment requirements.

What magazines are available in online databases with the full text of the articles available?
From the library's home page, click on Databases. At the bottom of the screen, there is a search box. Search for the title of the magazine you want. You can browse by clicking on Full-Text Magazines & Journals In KCLS Databases.

What magazines and newspapers does KCLS have in paper format?
Search for the title of the magazine or newspaper you want in the catalog, making sure that what you find has a call number starting with PER. The full record will tell you what libraries have it and how many years of back issues they keep.

How can I find a magazine or newspaper on a certain topic, for a certain age group, or in a certain language?
Our Browse Magazines page has links to magazines and newspapers the library has on many topics, for children, teens, and in different languages. The Press Display database has newspapers in many languages.

Can I check out magazines and newspapers?
You can't check out newspapers or the newest issue of a magazine (though you can make copies), but you can check out magazine back issues for 1 week, and place them on hold.

How can I get better results when I search for an article?
Try limiting your search by the date range you want, limiting to peer-reviewed articles, sorting your search results, or trying suggested search terms. Try the advanced search options. You can also ask for help from a librarian. Make sure your results are from a source you trust. Be aware that some publications may be biased one way or another. You may want more than one point of view on controversial topics.

Where can I find articles from the Seattle Times?
The Press Display database offers full text of the Sunday paper for the past 60 days. Seattle Times articles are no longer offered through ProQuest, so the library does not currently have any weekday digital back issues of the paper. The physical copies are held for up to 3 months and microfilmed back issues are available at many larger libraries. Some current articles are available for no charge on the newspaper's web site.

What about magazine articles on the web?
Many newspapers and magazines offer current articles for free on their web pages, and some offer articles from older issues as well. Others may charge to look at or print articles. There are some excellent free online collections of historic newspapers. Ask a librarian for more information.

How do I cite a magazine article for my bibliography?
Most of the databases will automatically format a citation for you on the article itself. If not, MLA is the most common format:
Author of article. "Title of article." Title of magazine/newspaper. Date of publication: Page number(s) of article.
More information and citation styles are available on the library's bibliography help page.

Can I get articles from other libraries?
Fill in the Interlibrary Loan: Journal/Magazine & Newspaper Request form It may take several weeks to get the article to you.

I can't find what I need!
Ask a librarian for help, in person, on the phone or online. Staff are familiar with what resources are available and how to get your answer quickly.]]> http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/10/how-to-find-magazine-articles.html http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/10/how-to-find-magazine-articles.html Online. Teachers. Teens. Databases Magazines Newspapers Research Students Teachers Teaching Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:20:41 -0800 A. The Zombie Handbook: How to Identify the Living Dead and Survive the Coming Zombie Apocalypse
B. Zombie Haiku
C. Zombie CSU: the Forensics of the Living Dead
D. Lonely Planet Zombie: Tales of the Undead from Every Culture
(answer after the break)]]> http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/10/bogus-books-zombies.html http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/10/bogus-books-zombies.html Collections. Online. Quiz Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:12:37 -0800 What are databases?
Web-based sources of information that you have to pay to use. King County Library System has pre-paid for people with library cards to use many useful databases. Databases are library information available 24/7, and it's free if you have a library card!

What can I find in databases?
Magazine and newspaper articles, entire books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, pictures, music, videos, and hundreds of specialized sources of information.

How do I find a database?
Go to the library home page, click on Databases, then select a subject or browse the list of databases. You will need to type in your library card number if you are using the web page outside the library buildings.

How do I know which database I should use?
Pick one from a list on the subject you are interested in or contact a librarian for help. You can get instant help online, just use our "Ask a Librarian" service.

How do I list a database in my bibliography?
Most databases will have a citation pre-formatted for you on the information page. If not, look at our bibliography help page for more information or ask your instructor.

How do I search in a database?
Most basic searches will act like a Google search, but you have advanced options, too: you can search for a certain subject, limit by date of publication, limit by author, and more.

What magazines are available in online databases with the full text of the articles available?
At the bottom of the Databases screen, there is a search box. Search for the title of the magazine you want. You can browse by clicking on Full-Text Magazines & Journals In KCLS Databases.

How can I get better results when I search a database?
Try limiting your search by the date range you want, limiting to peer-reviewed articles, sorting your search results, or trying suggested search terms. Try the advanced search options. You can also ask for help from a librarian. Make sure your results are from a source you trust. Be aware that some publications may be biased one way or another. You may want more than one point of view on controversial topics.

I can't find what I need!
Ask a librarian for help, in person, on the phone or online. Staff are familiar with what resources are available and how to get your answer quickly.]]> http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/10/databases-the-basics.html http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/10/databases-the-basics.html Online. Teachers. Teens. Databases Students Teachers Teaching Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:06:33 -0800 African American Experience
Click on "Classroom Resources" or click on "Lesson Plans" for featured topics.

American National Biography
Click on "Teacher's Guide"

Biography Resource Center
Click on "Toolbox" and scroll to Teachers

CultureGrams
Click on "Teaching Activities PDF"

Daily Life Online
Click on "Teacher Resources"

Latino American Experience
Click on "Teacher's Corner"

Novelist
Click on "Working with Kids"

Oxford Art Online
Click on "Tools and Resources" then "MoMA/Grove Art Lesson Plans: learning units"

Oxford English Dictionary
Click on "Learning Resources"

Pop Culture Universe
Click on "Skills Center" then "Teacher's Corner"

Teen Health & Wellness
Click on "Librarian/Educator Resources" then "Lesson Plans"

]]> http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/a-trove-of-lesson-plans.html http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/a-trove-of-lesson-plans.html Online. Teachers. Databases Lesson Plans Teaching Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:46:12 -0800 A. Cabinology: a Handbook to Your Private Hideaway
B. The Official Filthy Rich Handbook
C. Roasting Raccoon: The Varmint Cookin' Handbook
D. The Housewife's Handbook: How to Run the Modern Home
(answer after the break)]]> http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/bogus-books-handbooks-ii.html http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/bogus-books-handbooks-ii.html Collections. Online. Quiz Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:10:44 -0800 primary source information, databases are one place to find it. Here are a few of the KCLS databases that include primary sources:

African American Experience
Covering the modern and historical African American experience, there is a Primary Source Index under Resources.

Daily Life Online
Daily life in other cultures and through history, with information drawn from the acclaimed series of books from Greenwood Press, there is a Primary Documents link under Resources.

Latino American Experience
Covering the modern and historical Latino American experience, there is a Primary Source Index under Resources.

New York Times - Historical Newspapers
Full text and images from the New York Times are available dating back to 1851.

Nineteenth Century Newspapers
Full text and images from a variety of US newspapers from the 1800s.

Primary Sources Reference Collection
A collection of online books that collect primary sources. These are also listed in the main library catalog.

World Conflicts Today
Reports on major world conflicts, each with primary sources available.

American Indian History and Culture
Covering Native American history, there is a Primary Sources option under Browse.

American Song and Music Online
Original music from the time and place being researched, sometimes about the event itself, are available for online streaming.

AP Images
Newsworthy photographs, including historical photographs.

Discovering Collection
The collection includes books on history and searches can be limited to primary sources. Heritage Quest
Though aimed at genealogical researchers, this database contains many primary source local history books.

Newspaper Archive
Historic newspapers from small and large towns.

Sanborn Maps
Historical maps of Washington state cities and towns.]]> http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/what-databases-have-historical.html http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/what-databases-have-historical.html Collections. Online. Teachers. Databases History Day Primary Sources Research Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:05:48 -0800 Earlier, I talked about finding far-flung news in the Press Display database, but I just noticed a really neat feature: audio! Some of the papers have a computer reader that can read individual articles or even the entire paper out loud to you: and not just the ones in English! I tried listening to the news in French, Norwegian, and Danish-- there are many more! What a great way to keep up with the news back home or even practice your language skills.

Scroll down on the main screen and click on the Interactive Radio link on the left side for a full list of available audio papers, or keep your eyes peeled for a link on the left side of the paper display when you're looking at your favorite newspapers.
]]> http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/newspaper-radio.html http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/newspaper-radio.html Online. Audiobooks Databases Newspapers Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:13:47 -0800 A. The Handbook of Vintage Remedies.
B. The Complete Coracle Handbook: Boating the Portable Way
C. The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook
D. The Complete Anchoring Handbook: Stay Put on Any Bottom in Any Weather
(answer after the break)]]> http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/bogus-books-handbooks.html http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/bogus-books-handbooks.html Collections. Online. Quiz Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:08:24 -0800 What are primary sources?
Primary sources are sources of historical information that were created at the time of the historical event or later by witnesses to the event. They may be government records, diaries, letters, photographs or paintings, newspapers, interviews, or speeches: anything that is a first-hand account of a historical event.

What primary sources can I find in the library?
You can find reproductions of many primary sources: pictures of original documents, photographs, or transcriptions (re-typings or copies) of documents. If the historical event is relatively recent, you may even find some original documents.

Where are the primary sources?
They might be in books, magazines, databases, or on web pages. They might be in a format that also includes secondary sources.

What use are secondary sources?
Most research projects that require primary sources will also require some background research using secondary sources that can give a broad overview of the topic. These secondary sources will cite their own, often primary, sources in their bibliography. You can use the author's research to get your own research started.

Where can I find some good primary sources?

The library catalog: Search for your topic in the library catalog. Many of the books will include or help you find primary sources. Or try a keyword search for "primary sources" to see books and electronic books in the library collection. You may need to search for a broader topic to find a book that includes what you want, like searching for World War II instead of Iwo Jima.

Library databases: Go to http://www.kcls.org, click on Databases, then click on Primary Sources in the Subject List of Databases. This will list some major sources you can use online (with your library card). Many other databases will have a search option for primary sources.

Web sites: Find out what organizations study your topic. If they have a web site, they may have online versions of primary sources. Libraries, museums, archives, historical societies, and government agencies are all good starting places. Adding the phrase "digital collections," "archives," or "papers" to a general web search can often help you find an organization that has collected primary sources.

I still need help!

Talk to a librarian about what you need to find. Library staff are familiar with many ways to find primary sources.

A few great places for primary sources online:

American Memory from the Library of Congress
Primary sources for US history.

National Archives and Records Administration
The US Government's archive of government records through history.

HistoryLink
Primary and secondary sources for Washington State history.

Washington History
Historical books, newspapers and photographs from early Washington State history. ]]> http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/primary-sources-in-historical.html http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/2009/09/primary-sources-in-historical.html Collections. Online. Teachers. Databases History Day Primary Sources Research Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:56:41 -0800