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Research 101: Home

Research 101

This guide will help you find the sources you need to understand problems, answer questions, and craft solutions. 

Use the tabs at the top to navigate to each page through the stages of the research process.

  1. Pick a topic or question to investigate
  2. Brainstorm search words
  3. Choose where to search
  4. Create a strong search
  5. Troubleshoot
  6. Evaluate sources
  7. Save and cite sources

Keep in mind that this process isn't always linear. You often will need to return to earlier steps as you research, and that's okay!

 

Quick Start

How-To Guides

How-To Guides

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How to Make an Appointment with a Librarian

  1. Log in to Academic SupportNet using your Okta credentials (your AU username without the @aurora.edu and password). If this is your first time using this system, you will be prompted to set up an account.
  2. Select the "Research with a Librarian" calendar from the dropdown list of schedules, and then click a time slot that works for you.
  3. Adjust the length to 60 minutes if you need more time. Appointments can be reserved for 30 or 60 minutes.
  4. Select whether you would like to meet over Zoom or in person at Phillips Library.
  5. Click "Create Appointment."

Please note that librarians are not able to help with writing, editing, or citations. For help with those topics, please make an appointment with a writing tutor on a different schedule.

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Read More

Doing Research: A Student's Guide to Finding and Using the Best Sources

This open-access book is free to read, download, and print.

Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research Subtitle:Library 101 Gracy Harbor College

Choosing and Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research

This open-access book is free to read, download, and print.

PressBooks

Bridging the Gap: A Guide to College-Level Research

This open-access book is free to read, download, and print.