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HIST 101 - History of the United States to 1877

Use this guide to explore various topics in American History from the beginnings to 1877

Meet Your Librarian

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Iris Carroll
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Need help now? In addition to our Research Help Drop-In Hours Monday - Saturday, we have online help available. Simply go to the Ask a Librarian page to get immediate help.

My Research Help Schedule
(In Person, East Campus L & LC. and Online Chat)

Mondays: 9-11 am, 12-2pm, 3-4pm
Tuesdays: 9-10 am, 2-4 pm
Wednesdays: 9am-12 pm (on West Campus), 1- 2 pm
Thursdays: 11 am-1pm

Zoom Appointments
Times vary. To see when I'm available and to schedule an appointment with me, simply click on the orange "Schedule Appointment" button above, then pick your date/time. If you do not see a day/time that works, please email me and we can arrange another time.

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If I am your class librarian, contact me through the Canvas inbox for a response within 24 hours. If I am not your class librarian, email me at carrolli@mjc.edu.
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Follow these eight steps and you'll master researching and writing a paper in no time.

 

Infographic - Eight Steps to Writing a Research Paper

What is Research?

Twenty-first century students don’t need to spend a lot of time learning how to find information. After all, many of us are online every day retrieving information: reconnecting with people on Facebook, finding open classes through PiratesNet, downloading driving directions, weather forecasts, song lyrics, recipes, and other pieces of information that get us through the day.

But information retrieval is not research! Research requires that you find information, of course, but it also demands much more from you. The MLA Handbook defines research in terms of exploring ideas, probing issues, solving problems, or making arguments relating to existing ideas.  Yes, students need information to complete these tasks, but the depth and breadth of information needed moves far beyond a single source. 

Within the research process students also need considerable time to read the information they find, time to reflect on new information in terms of what they already know and what they are learning, and time to write multiple drafts of speeches/papers so that they can present your research as clearly, logically, and successfully as possible.

This guide offers you a set of steps to follow that will move you beyond the mere gathering of information, and into the realm of real academic research. It will help you develop a research strategy that will, with time and practice, enable you to become a more efficient researcher, saving you time and sanity.