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Cannell Library
1933 Fort Vancouver Way
Vancouver, WA 98663-3598
Mail Stop: LIB 112
Phone: (360) 992-2151
FAX (360) 992-2869

Clark College Information:
(360) 992-2000

Updated: September 15, 2009

Home --> Research Help --> Research Process

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The Research Process: Seven Steps to Good Research Skills

1. Define your purpose/goal.

2. Look at dictionaries and encyclopedias for background information and definitions. Subject-specific encyclopedias are particularly useful (browse the Reference collection in your subject area).

3. Locate books. Read footnotes and bibliographies to locate additional resources..

Start with Cannell Library Book Catalog.
If needed, search the Summit Catalog (38 academic libraries in Washington and Oregon). Request a book online to be sent within 3 working days.
Within Summit, you may also search Libraries Worldwide. (Request an interlibrary loan if needed.)

4. Locate periodical articles. Use indexes. There is a variety available in both print and electronic format. Some examples are:

EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier
Health Source Nursing Academic
ProQuest Direct
Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature (print - shelved in the "Indexes" section at the end of the Reference collection on the first floor)

Ask a librarian for assistance in choosing an appropriate index. Use the Search Strategy Worksheet to refine your searching skills. Once you find a relevant article, read footnotes and bibliographies for additional sources.

5. Find relevant web resources.

Use the tools in Search the Web , such as Web Sites by Subject and Web Search Tools.
Don't forget to evaluate the web sites you find!

6. Is there an association or a non-profit agency that might be able to help you? Try The Encyclopedia of Associations (Ref. AS22 .E5) or the yellow pages.

7. Is there an expert on your topic you might interview? Did you find someone referenced in an article? From an association?

Visual representation of a research process

Clark College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, creed, disabled veteran status, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Director for Equity and Diversity
Baird Administration Building
(360) 992-2355
(360) 992-2835 (TTY)