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Women in American History

Learn how to research topics in women's history in the United States

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Iris Carroll
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Contact:
Fall 2025
Drop-in and Chat Research Help Schedule:

Mondays: 11 am-1 pm
Tuesdays: 9 am-12 pm, 2-4 pm
Wednesdays: 9 - 11 am, 12- 2 pm
Thursdays: 3 - 7pm

Office: 209-575-6082
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What is Research?

You 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 ideasprobing issuessolving 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.

Research is a process that has steps you can follow to get your work done!

Eight Steps to Writing a Research Paper Understand your assignment What topics can you explore? Are any topics off limits? How long is the finished product? When is it due? How many and what type of sources are required? Will you be describing, analyzing, comparing, solving, or persuading? Choose a meaningful topic Research is an opportunity to explore topics relevant to you and your life. If your topic isn’t personally meaningful, the research process will quickly become tedious. If you have trouble connecting with a topic, your MJC librarians will have lots of ideas to help. Assess available sources Before you commit to a topic, run it through a few databases to ensure there is plenty of credible information to fuel your research. Compare the types of sources required with what you are finding. Problems? Talk to a librarian ASAP. Do some background reading Familiar websites are great as you begin to develop your ideas. They also help you identify search terms and tune into important conversations unfolding around your topic. Seeing how others discuss your topic can provide useful ideas on how to refine your paper. Create research questions They help shape your paper, plus save you time as you focus on finding sources answering specific questions. As your research progresses, you may revise and even add to your questions. Research librarians are happy to help you develop some questions to get you started. Gather your sources Use library databases to find high-quality sources answering your research questions. Follow the assignment’s source guidelines, and rigorously evaluate everything you plan on including in your bibliography. Be sure to follow the citation style set out by your professor. Read, reflect, write, revise! It’s simple: the more you read, think and write about your topic, the more you’ll learn about it. Read your sources closely and often, tracking the information you plan to use. Get your ideas down on paper as they develop, and cite your sources as you go. Utilize the L&LC MJC librarians can help you get started with your project, and assist you with each and every step of the research process. Tutors in the L&LC will help ensure the grammar, spelling, and organization of your paper is turn-in ready. Visit us early and as often as needed! Find us at https://mjc.edu/instruction/library/