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Primary Sources and Original Research

Helpful tips on locating and evaluating primary sources and original research

Welcome

This guide is designed to help you work through all phases of your research assignment, from finding information sources to preparing your works-cited or reference list. Just choose the appropriate tab at the side to get started.

If you need help with your assignment at any time, please use the chat box or library contact information to speak with a librarian.

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Need help?

If you get stuck at any time during your search, a librarian will be glad to help you.

  • By phone, call:
    •    478-471-2709 for the Macon campus library
    •    478-934-3179 for the Roberts Memorial Library at the Cochran campus
    •    478-275-6772 for the Dublin campus library
    •    478-374-6833 for the Eastman campus library
    •    478-929-6804 for the Warner Robins campus library 
 
  • On the Go?   Text-A-Librarian: 478-285-4898

 

Research Process Overview

The research process typically includes five broad steps. Most often you complete one step before moving onto the next. However, there may be times when you will need to return to a previous step or complete multiple steps simultaneously.

Step 1. Develop a topic
Selecting a Topic | Develop Research Questions | Identify Keywords | Find Background Information | Refine a Topic

Step 2. Locate information
Find Books |  Find Articles | Find Websites | Find Videos |Search Strategies

Step 3. Evaluate and analyze information and sources
Evaluate Sources | Primary vs. Secondary Sources | Types of Periodicals

Step 4. Use, organize and communicate information 
Paraphrasing | Notetaking | Tools

Step 5. Complies with legal, ethical and moral standards
Plagiarism | MLA Citation Style | Works Cited ExamplesCopyright

Interactive Tools

Contact a Campus:

478-471-2709 for the Macon campus library | 478-934-3179 for the Roberts Memorial Library at the Cochran campus | 478-275-6772 for the Dublin campus library

478-374-6833 for the Eastman campus library | 478-929-6804 for the Warner Robins campus library | On the Go? Text-A-Librarian: 478-285-4898

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