So you want to know how to find information...

Step 1:  Recognize the need for information. 
You just received an assignment and you don't know anything about the topic.  
Or  
You just received an assignment and you don't know what to pick as your topic.    

Step 2:  Recognize that accurate and comprehensive information is the basis for intelligent decision making.
You need to find information that is good not just mediocre.

Step 3: Formulate questions based on information needs.
What exactly do you need to find.

Step 4: Identify a variety of potential sources of information.
Where can you go to find sources?  The library, internet, or another place.

Step 5: Develop and use successful strategies for locating information.
How can you find the information that meets your needs, is accurate, and will satisfy your assignment?

Let's walk through an example:

Your teacher has just assigned you a speech on anything to do with China. 

Now what?  That means you need to pick something about China for your topic. 

The first thing you need to do is browse and come up with a specific, narrow topic. 

Now you have a narrower topic, here are some search strategies for wherever you are searching (card catalog, internet, or database).

Now that you know how to search, where do you prefer to find your information.  Library  Internet 

Do you have enough information?   Yes  No

Now you have information but is it accurate and comprehensive information.  Continue on to the second part of this module to find out how to evaluate the information you found.

Page created and maintained by
Kari L Hennenfent
06/17/2005