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Library Instruction at Oxnard College: Library Research Presentation

PowerPoint Slides

Research Guide Handout

Webpages Visited During Class

Important Links

Library Homepage - Head back to the homepage where you can find research appointments, tutoring appointments, study room booking, and more!

Databases A-Z - List of all the databases the OC Library subscribes to and some other useful websites/resources for your research.

OneSearch - Library homepage search box where you can find print books and search many databases at once.

Finding the Topic Sweet Spot

Finding the Topic Sweet Spot

The topic sweet spot is where three factors overlap: your assignment, your sources, and your own interests. Balancing these equally will set you up for success.

  1. Understand your assignment.
    Know exactly what's expected. Pay attention to the guidelines:
    • Required or restricted topics
    • Page length/word count/timing
    • Number and type of sources
    • Mode of presentation (informative? persuasive? analytical? compare-contrast? problem-solution?)
  2. Check source availability.
    The right sources can make or break your topic. A paper requiring 8 peer-reviewed sources will push you toward more scholarly subjects than one that asks for 3 substantive sources. Before locking in your topic, preview what's available in the types of sources you're required to find. A librarian can help you match topics to potential sources.
  3. Choose personal meaning or interest.
    If your topic doesn't matter to you, the research and writing processes can become much more challenging. Pick a topic that you are genuinely curious about or have a personal connection to, not just what seems easiest. When you chase knowledge instead of just chasing the grade, the research process becomes more rewarding and the final product that much stronger.

The information in this box was created by the wonderful librarians at Modesto Junior College in their Ready, Set, Research! guide.

Keyword Brainstorm Activity

Search Terms Brainstorm

Use the link or QR code below to access the Research Topics and Keyword Brainstorm activity on Padlet.

Instructions: Double-click in the open space or use the "plus" icon to create a post. Use the "Subject" field to enter the topic or question that you would like to research for your paper and the space below it to write as many words as you can think of that are related to your topic.

Keyword Brainstorm Activity

Library Connections Game

Let's play Library Research Connections!

Use the link below to play the New York Times Connections-based game about doing research in the Library.

Instructions: Create four groups of four related terms to win.

Library Research Connections