Collecting Sources

Collecting Sources and Data

Initial Sources

Most experienced researchers will acknowledge that research projects almost always take longer than anticipated. One way to be efficient in your research and meet your deadlines is to use the right resources from the outset. Most handbooks on writing research papers agree on the right places to begin:

1. Reference Librarians:

Librarians are trained not to accept a researcher's first articulation of his/her research question, because most people are not able to express accurately their research interest on the first try. In addition to helping you find materials on the topic that you think you are looking for, librarians are trained to dialogue with you in a way that draws out your real interest and topics. Make a habit of experiencing the maieutic art of reference librarianship.

2. Library Catalog and Online Databases:

EUCLID and the ATLA Religion are usually good places to begin.

3. General Reference Works

Dictionaries or Encyclopedias related to your interest is often the best way to define your specific topic and to find additional resources.

4. Specialized Bibliographies

If you find a book or article on your topic, remember to check the bibliography in these works for additional relevant resources.

Tips for Collecting Sources and Data

In the early stages, skim books and articles to determine which are most useful (e.g., read first sentences of paragraphs, table of contents, and browse chapters).
After you identify crucial sources, read it carefully, comprehending the argument, as well as extracting the relevant data.
If a primary or secondary source is cited by a secondary source and you will use this citation in your paper, check the original source to confirm accuracy.
Be intentional and sufficiently thorough in your note-taking, being sure to record the complete bibliographical data for your source (author, editors, title, edition, volume, series, place published, publisher, date, and page numbers). A good practice is to add a source to your Endnote library as you realize it will be a part of your bibliography.

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Last Updated: 4/11/2006