Summer Research Programs

Step by step guide

1. Defining the information problem
   • Choose and explore your topic. Finding and using background research
   • Formulate your research question
   • Determine what kind of information you need (primary sources, research articles, books, websites, etc...)

Identify search terms

Select appropriate information sources 

• • Databases - ​Find periodical and journal articles
  • OneSearch -Find everything the CSULB library owns and all material types such as books, eBooks, media, articles, etc... Narrow your search by using the Advanced Search option and selecting the scope of your search in the top tool bar.
  • Journal Search -Find subject specific journals by entering main subject terms that describe your research topic  
  • Websites -​Find your research topic using Google or Google Scholar.  Be sure to use the criteria linked here to evaluate online resources

Create and perform effective searches

• Using the examples here of best practices for searching various databases

Evaluating information

• Assess relevance and reliability of the information found

Using information

• Synthesize information
• Incorporate information into your text
• Cite your sources