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ENGL 103 Research Guide: Assignment review

Information Literacy Instruction Goals

  • Search the SU Resource Finder (SURF) to identify books and other materials owned by the library; find a book on the shelf using its LC call number.
     
  • Search SURF and multidisciplinary databases to find full text articles on a topic; use "Find It" links to find full text of articles.
     
  • Cite sources using a citation style.

Assignment and research approach

Here's a basic research approach and sources to consider during Annotated Bibliography drafts. Think of these sources as pieces of evidence that support your argument. Research writing is "recursive," in which drafts can be opportunities to swap weaker sources for stronger ones.

1. Explore topic context & primary sources (news or non-library sources)
2. Learn the background (SU Resource Finder (SURF): books)
3. Discover scholarly conversations (SURF and library databases: journal articles)
4. Support your argument (source citation)
5. Rinse, repeat; drafts & revisions (research librarians, writing center)

Manage & Organize Sources

RefWorks is a citation management tool that can help you organize and cite your sources and create bibliographies.

Sign into your RefWorks account. Keep RefWorks open in a tab at the top of your web browser.

Consult the RefWorks Guide to learn how to use additional features.