Determine your information needs

Introductory information: Perhaps the hardest part of research is deciding what you need to find.  The steps below will... 

Review your assignment

• Does your assignment specify what types of sources you need to use?
  • Books 
    • Provide in-depth, detailed coverage and background information
  • Articles from academic / scholarly / peer-reviewed journals
    • Provide information that is up-to-date and highly specific for scholars, researchers, and professionals.
    • 
  • Articles from trade publications
    • Provide information targeted to professionals in a particular industry. 
  • Articles from popular magazines
    • Provide broad summaries of research or issues on a topic for a general audience.
    • 
  • Articles from newspapers
    • Provide up-to-date, national and regional information on a current topic.
  • Internet sources
    • Can be useful for a variety of information needs, but each website will require critical evaluation.
• What kind of information do you need?
  • Background or context information? Try looking for books.
  • Current information? Try looking for articles.
• Do you need a brief overview of the topic?
• Do you need historical information on your topic? Or do you need current information?