Start your research in the U of A Libraries!

Go step by step, for success:

• Know what your assignment consists of, and when it is due.
• Plan ahead! Many people think that they can write a good ten page paper at the last minute; a surprising number of them are wrong.
• Evaluate your sources, and use appropriate ones--
• consider the audience, content, relevance, and currency of the sources.
• Your professor will usually tell you what sources are appropriate, i.e., he or she will ask you to:
• use books and scholarly journals
• use popular sources, such as newspapers and magazines.
• Some will ask you to use your own judgement; if you are in doubt about a source, ask for help at the Reference Desk. Among other materials, there are research manuals available to guide you.
• Research is often challenging, regardless of the topic and what sources you consult. Some frustration* is normal! Don't let it stop you. Most of the time, the most important factor is persistance.
• If you know your assignment and you start early, you are on your way. If you haven't started early-- there is help, here.