Research instruction demonstrates how to locate and evaluate sources for a research paper or project. With your PLNU writing class, you will learn to locate relevant subject encyclopedia articles, books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and high-quality internet sites.
This guide is only an introduction. Seek help from the PLNU librarians when you need it.
The Library Research Assignment [link opens Canvas assignment page] is designed to help you build your research skills.
The Library Research Assignment will open as a Google Doc connected to Canvas in your PLNU Google Drive. *You MUST use the Chrome browser to access the assignment. Be sure you're signed into your PLNU Google account.
Please read the assignment directions carefully and use the tools and resources introduced in the Library Research Instruction sessions to complete the assignment. Make sure you review the rubric prior to submitting the assignment.
If you have any questions, please email a librarian: Robin Lang or Julie Sweeney.
Please ask your questions as they arise; your librarians are here to help!
Before you begin your research, you should:
Here are some examples:
| Type of information | Where to find it |
| News |
|
| Information about a specific organization/company |
|
| Research article |
|
| Personal accounts |
|
| Statistics |
|
| History, overview, definitions (scholarly) |
|
| History, overview (popular) |
|
Choosing and refining a topic is an important part of the research process. One valuable path for exploring debatable current topics is our Credo Reference database, which includes resources like ProCon Headlines and Issues and Controversies in addition to more than 700 specialized encyclopedias. Keep in mind that your topic may need to fit specific criteria assigned by your professor.
Within Credo, we recommend the following: