Research: A Step-by-Step Guide: Intro to Research

This guide will help you start learning about the high-quality information and research support available through the Kirk Library.

You will find tips on choosing and developing your topic, guidance on locating and evaluating information in a variety of sources, and help creating citations.

This guide is especially useful for classes where you create research papers, presentations, and other creations that use a range of information sources as evidence.

Generally, you move from one step to the next in your research. However, research is a dynamic process, and there may be times when you need to change direction. That's why they call it "re-search": you search and search again. Like writing, it's seldom once and done. And just like writing, it gets easier the more you do it.

Research Steps Simplified:

Step 1. Choose and develop a topic

Step 2. Locate information

Step 3. Analyze and evalutate information and sources

Step 4. Use, organize, and communicate information

Step 5. Cite sources

Your librarians are here to help you with your research. We're available in person, by phone, and via email. Whatever works for you.

Your librarians are information specialists, and we want to assist you to become successful students and lifelong learners. We love hunting for information and helping students, so ASK US!

Chat with a Librarian 

Get help anywhere, any time of day.

Email Kirk Library

360-623-8956