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Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M Coetzee: Research Process

Guide to research material about the Coetzee novel.

Helpful Videos from North Carolina State University

Picking Your Topic IS Research 

Sound advice about using research to help you pick a topic.

One Perfect Source? 

Still waiting for that one perfect source? This video offers a workable alternative.

Doing Research by Making Lists

Doing Research by Making Lists 

Originally co-written by Roberta Tipton, Dana Library, and Dale Howard, Newark Writing Program, this worksheet helps students integrate research into their writing process.

Updated Technology Tools for Research Process

Tools for Optimal Flow  by Meredith Farkas
This article from American Libraries (2012) talks about tech tools that can speed your research process.

Tips for Better Research

  1. Research is part of your writing process.  Write before, during, and after doing research.

  2. Learn a citation manager--RefWorks, EndNote, Zotero, or another one.  Use it to keep track of your references and to help you insert citations into your writing.  [Dealing with References tab]

  3. Make your working bibliography first.  A working bibliography is larger than your final bibliography, consisting of likely prospects that you will examine as you read them.  

  4. Take notes as you read.  Record page numbers on every note.  Write something in your own words with every note.  These two practices will help to keep you from committing plagiarism.

  5. Consult a librarian when you are stuck in your research process. Go to the Writing Center to get help with your writing. Asking for assistance will save you time and give you a better result in the long run.

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