LibGuides: English 151 / GASP 103S (Brokaw): An Overview of the Process

Welcome! Research Guide Learning Outcomes

Welcome to the Getting Started with Library Research guide from UC Merced Library. The Research & Learning Services unit is here to support your success as an undergraduate at UC Merced. This guide is mean to be an overview for anyone wanting to learn more about conducting college-level library research for assignments. It can also serve as a good refresher for graduate students or those returning to school after a break.

Friendly UC Merced librarians and functional experts are available to help you with this process and many related tasks from GIS to scholarly publishing. Check out our library liaison page to locate a contact.

After becoming familiar with this guide, students will:

Recognize that research takes time
Develop an understanding of the iterative (repetitive) nature of research
Learn to navigate the various steps and tasks involved in a research process
Feel confident in knowing where to get help

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!