Research Coach - LSC-CyFair

Start Your Research Project with Proven Tips and Tools!

What Topic Should I Research?

• Check assignment details from your professor for: 
  • the scope of the project
  • the type of information required or suggested
  • the format of the project (e.g., presentation, paper, etc.)
• Ask a librarian for topic ideas related to your interests.
• Get topic suggestions from:
  • Online News Hour (spotlights the latest news stories from PBS under broad topics)
  • Old Dominion Libraries Idea Generator (topic ideas under broad categories such as education, health sciences, etc.)
  • Go Behind the News Blog (stories in the news that have background information in LSC-CyFair Library)
• Focus your topic on a specific and manageable aspect that interests you:
  • time period or geographical area
  • problem, viewpoint, issue, or trend
  • group affected by the topic

Where Do I Search for Information?

• Start your research with some articles from our multi-topic databases.
  • MasterFILE Premier
  • InfoTrac Newsstand
  • ProQuest Newspapers
• Find controversial topics in these databases.
  • Opposing Viewpoints
  • Issues and Controversies
  • CQ Researcher
• Use digital books online and library books on the shelf to get background details on your topic.
  • eBook Collection
  • Library Catalog
• Get streaming video to enhance your presentation.
  • NBC Learn Higher Ed 
  • Films on Demand
• Discover specialized sources with databases by subject for literature, health, business, and more. 
  • Literature Resource Center 
  • Health Reference Center Academic 
  • Business Source Complete 
• Locate reliable sources on the Internet with unique details for your project.
  • Statistical Abstract of the United States (population, employment, business, etc. - data)
  • Pew Research Center Topics (election, immigration, energy, etc. - surveys and reports)
  • The Brookings Institution Research Topics (defense, technology, law, education, etc. - opinion and analysis)
  • PBS NewsHour Recent Programs and Topics (health, military, social issues, etc. - news reports)

How Do I Select Sources and Organize Them?

• Rate your sources. - Evaluating Information Checklist
• Identify the type of article you need. - Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Magazines
• Learn some methods for keeping track of information sources. - Note Taking and Research: Why, How, and What? (PDF)
• Put source information into your own words. - Summarize, Paraphrase, and Quote: When and How? (PDF) 

How Do I Cite My Sources?

• Format Your Citations  
• APA Style Guide – 6th ed. (PDF)
• MLA Style Guide – 7th ed. (PDF)
• Citation Help - for additional examples and styles