Research

From Panic to Empowerment: A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Research

Happy October!

Does the mere mention of the word “research” send you into mini panic mode? You’re definitely not alone! For many students, the thought of diving into a research assignment can feel like staring into the abyss of a thousand books, articles, and maybe even some questionable online sources. But fear not! We’re here to transform that overwhelming feeling into excitement and empowerment. Let’s break it down, step by step, and make research a breeze!

Step 1: Quick Help at the Research Desk 📚

If you have a burning question or need a nudge in the right direction, feel free to drop by our Research Desk in room C350. No appointment needed!

Step 2: Book a Research Appointment 🗓️

Imagine having a research buddy who knows all the tricks of the trade. Well, that’s exactly what you get when you book a 1-hour appointment with our fantastic library staff! Whether you prefer to meet online or swing by in person, these knowledgeable folks are ready to help you tackle your research needs. Just make sure to share what you’re working on when you book—this helps us prepare and ensures we make the most of our time together!

Step 3: Join a Free Workshop 🎉

Want to level up your research and writing skills? Sign up for one of our free workshops! Whether online or in-person, these sessions are designed to help you tackle your assignments with confidence.

Step 4: Use the Library Research Guide 🚀

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty! Our Library Research Guide breaks the process into six easy-peasy steps:

  1. Define Your Topic: Choose something that sparks your interest! A topic that excites you will make the research journey much more enjoyable.
  2. Plan Your Search: After gathering some background info, think of the keywords and phrases you’ll need to find what you’re looking for. Don’t forget to check out our Subject Guides for great starting points!
  3. Search for Resources: Time to hunt for those credible sources! Use Page 1+ to cast a wide net, and keep track of what you find—your future self will thank you.
  4. Create an Outline: Once you’ve gathered your sources, start organizing your thoughts. Outlining helps clarify your argument and keeps your paper on track!
  5. Write Your Paper: With a solid outline and your sources ready, it’s time to unleash your inner author! Remember, the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect—just get those ideas flowing.
  6. Cite Your Sources: This is where you show love to all the amazing work that inspired you. Proper citation not only avoids plagiarism but also makes your research legit!

Step 5: Visit the Coaching Lab 🏫

For those needing extra help with writing or English as a Second Language, the Coaching Lab at the Ottawa campus is your go-to spot! Located in room C260, it offers free support to sharpen your skills.

Final Thoughts 🎓

Research doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right resources and a sprinkle of enthusiasm, you can conquer any assignment that comes your way. So, grab your laptop, gather your thoughts, and let’s make research fun!

Happy researching! If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re in this together!

Research: A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Get Started

Does hearing the word “research” send you into stress mode? You’re not alone! Many learners feel overwhelmed at the thought of having to complete a research-based assignment. If this is your first time doing research at a college level and you’re not sure where to start we can help make the process less intimidating.

We believe the easiest way to tackle a large research assignment is to break it down into steps. We can help create a plan that will guide you through each stage of the research process. Explore some of the services and resources available to you:

Book a Research Appointment

Book a Research Appointment to connect with knowledgeable library staff member at a time that works for you!

The Library can provide a 1hr appointment (online or in-person) with students to discuss their research needs in the form of advice or assistance regarding search strategy, finding resources, and basic citation support. Students can book a maximum of 1 research appointment per week.

Please include within the booking form the reason for your appointment or details about the type of research support you require. This information helps library staff prepare for the appointment to make the best use of the time. If relevant, please bring a copy of your assignment or notes as a reference point so we can effectively start you on your research journey. Without this information Library staff will not be able to accept your appointment request.

Note: If there are no available time slots listed, contact us and we will try to arrange a time to meet with you.

If you have a research question or are in need of less in-depth research help, you can drop by our Research Desk in room C350.

The Library Research Guide

Use the Research Guide to help you with every stage of writing a research paper. This process is broken down into six steps:

  1. Define Your Topic: Picking a good topic is key and can make or break the research process. So what makes a topic good? We suggest choosing a subject that interests you and will hold your attention. Explore what information is available on that topic to ensure that you can find what you need. If a topic is too specific, you may need to expand your search; if the topic is too vague, you may need to narrow it down.
  2. Plan Your Search: Once you have spent some time gathering background information on your topic, you should have a decent grasp of some search terms that would be relevant to your subject. Check out the Library’s Subject Guides to find resources that would make a good starting point for your research. Use a thesaurus to find synonyms that could help expand your search results, and make sure to record your sources as you go.
  3. Search for Resources: Once you have committed to your topic and know which search terms to use, you can start finding credible and relevant resources. Identify what resources are required for your assignment (type of publication, date range, how many sources you need etc.) and then search across all resources with the help of Page 1+. You can also search directly in each Digital Resource Collection. For help with your search, we recommend reading the FAQ titled “Page 1+: How to find resources“.
  4. Create an Outline: Once you have found relevant resources, you can use these sources to begin building your argument. To start creating an outline, you want to read all of the sources you have collected and take notes as you go; make sure to keep track of your sources in an organized way. When you are ready to write your thesis statement, remember that it needs to reflect the main argument of your paper and should only be 1-2 sentences long. It is best to outline the structure of your paper before you start writing it; this will help you to determine your main points and organize your research.
  5. Write Your Paper: This is the last step in the research paper writing process! At this point you should have a thesis statement, an outline, and a collection of sources and notes; essentially everything you need to put together your research paper.
  6. Cite Your Sources: You will be required to cite your sources. Citing is an extremely important part of the research paper writing process as it is the best way to avoid plagiarism. It provides credit to the original source, helps prove the legitimacy of your research, and gives professors the ability to find the information used in your work
The 5 steps to planning a research paper

Need Help With One of These Steps?

The following services are available to help you with research:

  • Free Workshops: Develop and strengthen your fundamental research and writing skills by registering for a free workshop! Workshops are offered online via Zoom and in-person in room C263. View the monthly Workshop Schedule to see what sessions are available.
  • The Coaching Lab at the Ottawa campus provides support in the fundamentals of writing and English as a Second Language at no charge. The Coaching lab is located in C260, on the second floor of the DARE District (C building).

How to Cite Right and Avoid Plagiarism

Have you ever invested your own time studying for an upcoming test only to notice the person next to you looking at your answers? Or maybe you put a lot of effort into a group project only to have another person take credit for your work. These situations can be pretty unpleasant and can make you feel as though your energy and effort is being devalued. This is just one of the reasons why it’s so important to cite the sources you’ve used in your assignments and projects – everyone deserves credit where credit is due!

If you’re unsure how to properly create citations, don’t sweat it – we’re here to provide you with helpful services and resources to make the process as painless as possible.

Workshops

Free skill-building Workshops are available on a weekly basis:

  • Avoiding Plagiarism: Gain a better understanding of what is expected of you academically in relation to citing your sources and avoiding plagiarism.
  • Cite Right! APA Bootcamp: Find out how to use in-text citations, how to paraphrase and format a reference list, get hands on experience creating references for different types of sources, and more.
  • Intro to the Library workshops: Discover our 24/7 digital resources and find out how to use and navigate online library tools.
  • Finding Academic Articles: Learn how to find academic articles using library resources. Learn how to discover the characteristics of an academic article and how to differentiate it from a popular source.

Workshops are offered both online using Zoom and on campus (Ottawa) in room C263. Click here to view the full Workshops Schedule.

Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism Guide

In the Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism Guide, you’ll learn how to:

  • Cite Your Sources: This guide includes style manuals and information to help you cite in different styles, as well as a series of interactive modules to help you learn the basics of using APA style.
  • Avoid Plagiarism: Not sure if you’re doing everything you need to do to avoid plagiarism? Not even exactly sure what plagiarism is? This guide will explain everything you need to know and what you are responsible for as a student at Algonquin College.
  • AI: Generative Artificial Intelligence: Find general information on Generative AI, as well as guidance on using and citing AI in an academic setting. Always consult your instructor before using generative AI tools in your coursework to ensure that you are not committing an act of academic misconduct.

The Learning Portal

We also recommend exploring the Learning Portal’s How to Cite Module. Here you will learn about:

  • Why you should cite: to prevent plagiarism and give credit to other’s work, as well as providing evidence for the topics presented in your research.
  • Citation styles: there are many different styles of citing and each comes with its own set of rules and formatting of content. Your teacher will often tell you which style they want you to use (ex: APA, MLA, etc.)
  • How to build citations: building proper citations is a crucial step in allowing readers to trace back your information and is also a form of protection from accusations of plagiarism. Learn how to build in-text citations and references/work cited
  • Citation tools: Writing a citation from scratch can seem daunting but once you become familiar with citation generating tools, it will help simplify the process.

Have questions or need assistance?

AC Library Live Chat

Additional Resources

Never forget to cite your sources and always remember to give credit where credit is due!

Six Steps for Successful Research

Does hearing the phrase “research paper” suddenly send you into stress mode? You’re not alone! Many learners feel overwhelmed when assigned such in-depth and detailed assignments. If this is your first time writing a research paper and you’re not sure where to start, we can help make the process less intimidating. If you do have previous experience doing research, it never hurts to acquire new strategies that can help take your skills to the next level.

We believe the easiest way to tackle a large assignment is to break it down into smaller steps. Instead of attacking your research paper head on, we’ve created a plan to help guide you through each stage of the writing process:

Define Your Topic

Picking a good topic is key and can make or break the research process. So, what makes a good topic? We suggest choosing a subject that interests you and will hold your attention. Explore what information is available on that topic to ensure that you can find what you need. If a topic is too specific, you may need to expand your search; if the topic is too vague, you may need to narrow it down. Turn your topic into a question and see if you can argue or prove it. The following resources can help you with this step:

Plan your Search

Once you have spent some time gathering background information on your topic, you should have a decent grasp of some search terms that would be relevant to your subject.

  • Check out the library’s Subject Guides to find resources that would make a good starting point for your research.
  • Use a thesaurus to find synonyms that could help expand your search results, and make sure to record your sources as you go.
  • For further help planning your search terms visit Step 2 of the Research Guide.
  • Register for an upcoming Starting a Paper – Improving Your Search Strategies Workshop to learn how to produce appropriate search terms and find resources using the web and library resources.

Search for Resources

Once you have committed to your topic and know which search terms to use, you can start finding credible and relevant resources. This step will be more time consuming than the first two – just remember to take it all in stride and try not to get overwhelmed. Identify what resources are required for your assignment (type of publication, date range, how many sources you need etc.) and then search across all resources with the help of the library’s Page 1+ search tool. You can also search directly within the A-Z Database list.

For help using Page 1+, check out our related FAQ’s or book a one-on-one research appointment with Library staff. The following resources can also help:

  • Explore Step 3 of our Research Guide to find tutorials, tips for search strategies and in-depth information on evaluating web resources.
  • The Learning Portal’s Fake News Hub will help you to recognize common indicators of fake news, understand the consequences of careless sharing, and learn to become a fact-checker.
  • Check out the Learning Portal’s How to Research module to learn more about the different types of resources and how to search through a library or on the web.
  • Register for an upcoming Evaluating Resources Workshop to find out how to evaluate the quality of resources using the ‘C.R.A.A.P’ test—a guideline for critically analyzing sources—so you can avoid fake news and ensure quality research.

Create an Outline

Once you have found relevant resources, you can use these sources to begin building your argument. To start creating an outline, you want to read all the sources you have collected and take notes as you go; make sure to keep track of your sources in an organized way.

When you are ready to draft your thesis statement, remember that it needs to reflect the main argument of your paper and should only be 1-2 sentences long. It is best to outline the structure of your paper before you start writing it; this will help you to determine your main points and organize your research.

  • Step 4 of our Research Guide will help you develop your thesis statement and create an effective outline of your paper.
  • The Coaching Lab offers free online and on-campus (Ottawa) Coaching in the subject of writing. Coaches can help you with grammar, brainstorming and outlining, preliminary research, thesis development, formatting a paper, and more.

Write your Paper

This is the last step in the research paper writing process! At this point you should have a thesis statement, an outline, and a collection of sources and notes; everything you need to put together your research paper.

  • Step 5 of our Research Guide will point you towards resources that can help structure your paragraphs, incorporate your sources, and guide you through the editing process.
  • Register for any of the upcoming Research & Writing workshops to find out how to start a paper, how to find academic articles and other resources, and more.

Cite your Sources

You will be required to cite your sources. Citing is an extremely important part of the research paper writing process as it is the best way to avoid plagiarism. It provides credit to the original source, helps prove the legitimacy of your research, and gives professors the ability to find the information used in your work. Fortunately for you, there are several resources that can help you with citation:

  • Check out the Citing and Documenting Sources Guide to find citation style guides and tools.
  • Visit the Learning Portal’s How to Cite module for help understanding the different citation styles and for an explanation on how to cite various sources.
  • Register for an upcoming Cite Right! APA Bootcamp workshop to gain hands-on experience creating references for different types of sources.
  • Also check out the new AI: Generative Intelligence guide to learn more about citing AI tools in your work. Before you cite, confirm with your instructor that the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are allowed for your assignment.

With so many supportive services and resources available to you, research doesn’t have to be stressful! If you have questions, please visit your campus Library in person, or contact us online via our Library Live Chat.

The Library & SLC: Here to Support Your On-Campus & Online Learning!

A big welcome to all our new and returning students! Whether you’re taking classes on-campus or online (or both!) we want to assure you that the Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) have a variety of services available to support your learning.

*Please note, some of our online resources will require you to login with your College Network Account.

Explore our list of services and resources:

  • Library Space:
    The Library space at the Ottawa campus is open 24/7 and features a silent study room and a bookable meeting room (more meeting rooms are available on the 2nd floor of C Building). The Library help desks are available to assist you during business hours.
  • Library Live Chat:
    Our Library Live Chat service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. If you require more in-depth, one-on-one research help, please book an online or in-person Research Appointment with our staff.
  • Borrowing Books:
    If you would like to borrow a book from your campus Library, you can request the item online using Page 1+ or you can visit your local campus Library in person. You will need your AC card to borrow books. Click here for more information on how to request items.
  • Returning Books:
    Books may be returned to your campus Library drop box.
  • Digital Resource Collections:
    Access the library’s A-Z digital resource collections, this includes databases, eBooks, online videos, journals, and more. Digital resources are available 24/7 and require you to login to your College Network Account.
  • eBooks and Audiobooks Collections:
    Access electronic books on a wide variety of subjects. Find instructions on how to locate, use and download eBooks to different devices in our eBooks Guide.
  • Essential Skills Guides:
    Explore a variety of online guides that cover essential skills such as citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, research, math, English communication, technology, study skills, and much more.
  • FAQ’s:
    Find answers to commonly asked questions.
  • Coaching Lab:
    The Coaching Lab offers all Algonquin College students individual and small group coaching, both online and on-campus, at no charge. The areas of coaching offered are computer, math, writing, ESL, study skills, presentation skills, research, and anatomy/biology.
    *Pembroke students can also visit the Pembroke Campus Student Support Lab page to book an appointment with a Pembroke Campus Coach.
  • Peer Tutoring:
    If you’re a student who finds themselves experiencing difficulties in a course or are struggling to understand a concept being covered in class, Peer Tutoring can help. This service matches you with a trained student tutor for one-on-one tutoring. Tutors are students who graduated from the class before and did well in it. The fee for tutoring is $8.00 per hour. Peer Tutoring appointments are offered online and on-campus.
  • Skill-building Workshops:
    Students can participate in workshops to develop and strengthen fundamental skills such as research, writing, digital skills, and study skills to help you succeed in classes. These workshops are offered both online and on-campus, and are free to attend.
  • Online Video Collections:
    Access multiple online video collections on a wide variety of topics. Find instructions for finding, using, downloading and embedding online videos in our how-to guide.
  • Page 1+:
    Meet the Library’s new resource search tool. Research more effectively and discover access to industry-relevant resources.
  • Open Educational Resources (OER):
    Find free, openly licensed images, videos, icons, course material, textbooks and more within our Open Educational Resources Guide.
  • Subject Guides:
    These are curated guides for specific programs and areas of study. This is a great starting point for new students and for those doing preliminary research!
  • The Learning Portal:
    The Learning Portal provides shared access to resources from all Ontario Colleges. Explore modules related to learning online, study skills, digital skills, writing, research, math, career exploration, and more.

    • Maamwi Hub: The Maamwi Hub is inspired by the TRC 94 Calls to Action to ensure that the 24 Colleges of Ontario lead in the education of staff and students on the diverse Indigenous histories, cultures, and current Indigenous worldviews. We hope that the Maamwi Hub will be a part of your ongoing reconciliation journey.

For more information, please visit us in-person or connect with us online. Have a great first week!

Discovery begins on Page 1+

The AC Library is excited to announce the official launch of Page 1+, the innovative new search tool for industry-relevant resources!

Page 1+ gives you easy access to the library’s collection. These resources have been hand-selected to be up to date and relevant to the specific programs offered by Algonquin College. With its intuitive design and powerful engine, Page 1+ will empower our students to complete their assignments more efficiently and effectively than ever before!

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Page 1+ is convenient. Regardless of when, where or what you’re studying, Page 1+ users will experience free, convenient access to their college library’s collection of expertly curated materials. The Page 1+ platform’s intuitive and accessible design takes the work out of research, inviting discovery, encouraging curiosity, and steering its users towards success.
  • Page 1+ is easy. With its single sign-on feature, discovering and accessing resources is a seamless experience. Users will no longer require a separate library account to login and can use their College Network Account.
  • To ensure your course materials are up to date, please check your Brightspace links. Links harvested directly from the database source will continue to work during/after this upgrade. Links harvested from our One Search tool should be replaced with a direct link to the source database before August 31, 2022.

Questions about Page 1+? Visit our How to Use Page 1+ Guide or contact us at library@algonquincollege.com for support.

Coming Soon: Page 1+ the New Resource Search Tool

Big changes are coming! The Library’s One Search tool will be replaced by Page 1+ in late July of 2022.

What is Page 1+?

  • Page 1+ is the new resource search tool presented by College libraries Ontario (CLO), and in partnership with Ontario College Library Services (OCLS), and leverages the expertise and resources of 18 Ontario college libraries.
  • Page 1+ provides access to library resources whenever, wherever, or however you need them – at home, on campus, or on the go!
  • Page 1+ offers up to date, relevant, academic research materials, directly from the Library.
  • With Page 1+ you can complete your research faster than ever before by receiving easy access to industry-relevant resources.
  • Contributors from across the province share in the operation and maintenance of the single universal system, streamline the research process for students and faculty.

More information and updates will be provided on our website and social media channels as we prepare for the launch of this new resource search tool. If you have questions about upcoming changes, please contact us via email at library@algonquincollege.com or by using our Library Live Chat service.

Discovery begins on Page 1+!