From the eBook - Revised edition.
1. Mapping your route: shortcuts to take before you go anywhere. Decide who you're researching for
Make sure you know what your topic is
Isolate the purpose of your research
Keep your topic's time requirements under control
Pick out the correct working title
Prepare a preliminary outline
Turn your research needs into precise questions
Determine what kind of answers you need
Decide whether your answers should come from secondary or primary sources. 2. Packing your gear: shortcuts that make research-gathering easy. Prepare a work file
Keep a bibliography as you go
Key your notes for easy access
Keep your notes legible and segmented. 3. Traveling the road: shortcuts for selecting the right resource center. Head for the right library
Learn the library's book storage system
Find the storage places for periodicals
Discover where pamphlets, clippings, and nonprinted resources are stoned
Use the most specific resource guides first
Skim the front matter before you use a reference guide
Make wise use of modern aids to research
Research to fit the rule of three
Stick to dependable sources
Find leads to literature from groups with causes. 4. Getting into unexplored territory: shortcuts that reach the experts. Write letters that get your questions answered
Make face-to-face interviews pay off
Use the telephone or E-mail
Become your own expert. 5. Roadmap for a grade-A paper: using your research materials. Rethink before you write
Zip through your first draft
Choose the best specifies in your file
Know the fine line between fair use and plagiarism
Fiddle with your first draft
Print a first-class final draft.
