1. Have a clear research topic. Make certain that you understand your research topic. If you are not clear, go back to your course instructor and ask for further clarification of the topic.
2. Ask for help. We understand that the Syracuse University Library system may be different from libraries you are used to. Library staff are here to help. If you find it confusing and difficult to conduct research in the Library, please ask for help at a reference desk or use Instant Messaging or telephone Reference found on the [http://library.syr.edu/information/reference/index.html]
3. Begin your research early. If you start your research too close to your assignment due date, books and journals may not be available as they may be checked out by other students. Plan extra time, as you may need to recall a book or order it through interlibrary loan.
4. Keep track of citations. As you do your research, write down the complete citation for each book or journal article you use. Trying to trace it back later may be a very difficult task. The important things to keep track of are author, title, publisher, copyright date, and location of publication. For journal articles, you will need the volume number, issue number, and pages of the article as well as title and author. You will need this information for your bibliography at the end of your paper to document your sources.
