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Rutgers University Libraries

Personal Librarian Program

Rutgers-Camden Personal Librarian Program

Research Log

A research log can track where and what you've searched so that you can retrace your steps and revise past search strategies. It can also help you understand how the sources you find fit together in your paper. 

Mind Mapping Tool

Use a mind-mapping tool such as Text2MindMap to create a visual map of your research question, topic, and related terms and ideas. 

 

mind map image

 

RefWorks

RefWorks is a citation manager which can help you collect, organize, and cite your sources. 

Benefits to using RefWorks:

  • Keep your citations saved in one place
  • Organize citations by topic or theme
  • Automatically create bibliographies in a variety of citation formats

Search Strategy Builder

Search Strategy Builder

The Search Strategy Builder is a tool designed to teach you how to create a search string using Boolean logic. While it is not a database and is not designed to input a search, you should be able to cut and paste the results into most databases' search boxes.

  Concept 1 and Concept 2 and Concept 3
Name your concepts here
Search terms Search terms Search terms

List alternate terms for each concept.

These can be synonyms, or they can be specific examples of the concept.

Use single words, or "short phrases" in quotes

or

or

or

or

or

or

or

or

or

or

or

or


Copy and paste the above search string into any library database or QuickSearch. 

The Search Strategy Builder was developed by the University of Arizona Libraries and is used under a Creative Commons License.

Assignment Calculator

Use this assignment calculator for a customized breakdown of the necessary steps to complete research and writing assignments. 

assignment calculator screenshot

University of Minnesota Libraries Assignment Calculator: https://www.lib.umn.edu/ac/research-paper

Benefits of using this tool:

  • Make sure you don't skip crucial steps in research and writing
  • Manage your time effectively so you are not rushed or overwhelmed
  • Links to tips and tutorials for each step in the process
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