Choose a Topic
There are several ways to come to a topic for your research project. It can simply be assigned to you as part of class project, you can choose a topic that you are already interested in, or you can explore topics within your major. When picking a topic, make sure it aligns with your class assignment or research project's parameters.
It is important that your topic isn't too broad or narrow. If the topic is too broad, you will be overwhelmed with information during your research. If you have chosen a topic that's too narrow, you will find it difficult (or impossible) to find information for your research.
Gather Background Information
Credo Reference
Credo Reference is a great tool for discovering background information on a topic. In addition to including facts and key concepts on a topic, it includes concept maps that illustrate key terms related to the topic. These concept maps can help you find related information, narrow your topic, and discover relationships between concepts.
Library Catalog Search
You can also search for reference books and encyclopedias held by Boreham Library using the library catalog search. You can use the tabs to search for everything or specifically for articles or for books, including both print and ebooks. Once you have put in an initial search, you'll have the option to refine it further: by publication date, by format, to peer reviewed articles, to items in our library or to expand your search to libraries worldwide.
If you find an item in another library that you would like to use, simply place a request for it through using Interlibrary Loan (ILL). When you place an ILL request, we will request that another library loan the item for you to use. Because items are sent through the mail, it is important that you make your requests early so you receive them in time.