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English 118: Literature and Philosophy (Hatton)

Research is a Process (Infographic)

Research is an iterative process. Instead of straightforward and linear, it is repetitive and cyclical. As you move through the steps to learn, you should modify and revise your strategies. Don't be afraid to return to an earlier step to reset your process!Research is a Process infographic; follow the long description link for a web accessible version

Long description of "Research is a Process" for web accessibility

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, you will be able to:

  • Locate materials to support your studies in Literature and Philosophy through UC Library Search and the A-Z Databases List
    • including using background information
    • Differentiate literary criticism, book reviews and other genres/source types
  • Strategically use library databases (including UC Library Search) to find relevant, credible sources
    • Both by and about a person (e.g, by Plato or about Plato)
  • Navigate & annotate information in various formats (HTML, PDF, eBooks)
  • Find style resources to help you evaluate the proper format of a citation 
  • Know how to contact librarians for help

9/29/2025 Library Instruction Session

Lesson Plan Outline

  1. Greeting & Introductions
    • Contact info, appointments, and workshops!
  2. Navigate the library website to find the course research guide (also in CatCourses)
  3. Identify appropriate resources using the A-Z Databases List
  4. Learn how to search by Subject in databases and UC Library Search
  5. Locate & use eBooks
    • Annotate in Hypothesis, a pdf reader such as Adobe, or a Citation Manager (like Zotero, see step 5)
  6. Locate style resources to help with citations (see step 5)
  7. Reflection formFeedback / Exit Slip - Please help improve UC Merced Library instruction

Remidner!

To access library databases  from off campus, you MUST download and install the VPN. See below for information on how to do that. There is also a video on the tech & more help page of this guide.

Access Library Resources from Off Campus (VPN)

VPN software allows you to connect to the library's online articles and eBooks from off campus.

Decorative image: A globe with lines out to various technologies surrounding it, representing a network

Image credit: Design Services, UCI Libraries