2. Research is a Journey
It can take you to unexpected
places - places where you have
never been before.
As with any journey to exotic
lands, it is best to have a packing
list to make sure you are
prepared.
This tutorial will provide you
with a research checklist in the
form of a packing list to point
you to some tools and strategies
that will lead to success.
3. Plane Ticket
Think of your assignment as your plane ticket. It will tell
you your final destination.
Look through it carefully.
Highlight the important elements of the
assignment, like when it is due, the
length, what needs to be included, and
what specifically the assignment is asking
of you.
Think about the time it might take you to
complete the task.
Just as you would never go on a trip
without knowing your departure date,
where you were going, how you were
getting there, the same is true for research.
4. Check out the Deciphering Your Assignment tutorial on our library
website.
You can find this by clicking on Getting Research Help tab, then
click on Tutorials link
5. Passport
Simple – your student ID and
password is your passport to our
library.
Once you are logged into the
student portal or your online
classroom all you have to do is
select the Library link. Your
login information will transfer
over.
Our borders are open, and we
love visitors.
6. Tour Guide/Travel Agent
There are times when you need one-on-one interaction
to help you plan your journey.
It is valuable to contact someone with insider
information before and during your trip. You
know, someone who can point you to the local
hangouts, best places to grab breakfast, and
the “can’t miss” sites.
Your friendly librarians are ready to assist with
your research travel needs. Remember, we are
here to help you, whether you are completely
lost or just need someone to ask if you are on
the right train (of thought). We are happy to
point you in the right direction.
7. Guidebooks, maps, and phrase book
If you are unsure or get lost, we have tutorials and tip
sheets to guide your way.
Some good library resources to get you
started are our handy Databases by
Subject list (click on the Find
Articles & More tab and select the
Databases by Subject link), or the
Developing a Topic and Searching
for Articles tutorials (click on
Getting Research Help tab, then
click on Tutorials link).
Make sure you know where to find our
tutorials and database tips and tricks,
and have them handy for when you are
ready to embark .
8. Travel Plan and Itinerary
After you have reviewed you assignment, you need to think about
how you are going to accomplish those goals.
Think of your specific topic. What
about that topic is interesting to you?
With this you can create a plan.
Come up with search terms or
keywords that sum up the ideas of
you research, and then come up with
synonyms of those terms.
Check out our Generating Search
Terms tutorial (click on Getting
Research Help tab, then click on
Tutorials link).
9. Be Flexible and Adaptable
Remember to be flexible
because, as with travel, you
may spot something
interesting that changes
your plans.
If you are too rigid you may
miss something spectacular.
A good traveler is always
prepared, but also prepared
to adapt.
10. Aspirin / painkillers
Sometimes you will hit a snag in your
research, and that can give you a raging
headache.
Your friendly and helpful Ashford librarians
can provide you with some relief in the form
of research assistance.
To get a hold of us, check the Questions?
Contact us! box on the right side of the
library webpage for real-time library help.
This box will list our chat and phone hours,
and library phone number.
You can also send us an email anytime at
library@ashford.edu.
We will do our best to lessen your pain.
11. Give Yourself Enough Time
And of course make sure you are ready to leave early! You
never know when bad weather or a flat tire will strike.
When you are rushed you
always forget something and
unexpected roadblocks or
bumps are bound to
happen.
When traveling even in the
world of research,
preparation, flexibility, and
a positive attitude can turn
any potential disaster into
an adventure.
12. Questions?
Email:
library@ashford.edu
Phone: (866) 685-8089
Chat: On the library
website
