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Norwalk Campus Library

Norwalk Mastering the Art of Library Research: Developing Essential Skills

About Developing Research Skills

Welcome to the Library Guide for Developing Essential Research Skills! Whether you're a student embarking on an academic journey or a curious individual seeking reliable information, this guide is designed to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the vast world of research effectively. From locating credible sources to honing your critical thinking abilities, we will explore various techniques and resources that will empower you to delve deeper into your subjects of interest. Get ready to unlock the secrets of successful research and embark on a transformative quest for knowledge. Let's embark on this enriching journey together!

Make a Plan

Crafting a successful research paper demands both organization and effective time management. It is essential to recognize that research is a comprehensive process that necessitates sufficient time for the following stages:  

  1. Brainstorming: 

    • Explore and generate ideas related to your topic

    • consider different perspectives and potential research questions

  2. Researching and taking notes:

    • use reliable sources such as books, scholarly articles, and reputable websites

    • take notes, highlighting key information and source details

  3. Making an outline:

    • create a logical flow and hierarchy of idea

    • structure your paper by organizing main points and supporting details

  4. Writing

  5. Revising and polishing

By following this research planning guide, it would help you to  effectively organize your time, approach your research systematically, and increase your chances of producing successful research papers.