This page was created to support content designers in their search for resources, consolidating insights and strategies gathered directly from interviews with designers. It serves as a centralized hub, offering both practical tips and broader search methodologies, ensuring that designers can efficiently locate the information they need. By leveraging the collective knowledge of experienced designers, this resource becomes an invaluable asset for anyone seeking to enhance their content creation process.
Remember: you can always contact the library for support!
This pre-research checklist guides designers through the initial steps of gathering information on a topic. It is divided into two categories:
1. Seeking Support from Others:
2. Utilizing Existing Resources:
3. Staying Up to Date:
By leveraging these resources and support networks, designers can efficiently gather preliminary information, identify potential knowledge gaps, and establish a solid foundation for their research.
Expanding the scope of your research, this phase introduces tools and techniques that empower designers to delve deeper into their topics. By combining library resources with online search strategies, you can find relevant resources from diverse sources and voices.
Search Resources:
Online Search Strategies:
Evaluating Resources:
Always evaluate resources for expertise, bias, audience, and currency, regardless of their source. While library resources typically undergo a curation process, it's still essential to critically assess their relevance to your specific needs. Be particularly discerning with online sources, verifying the credibility of authors, publishers, and websites before incorporating information into your work.
Search Example (Mix & Match):
Let's say you're researching how elementary classroom layouts impact learning. Start by searching "elementary classroom design" in the library catalog, Google, and Google Scholar. As you browse results, note terms like "flexible furniture," "science of classroom design," and "whole child model." Incorporate these into new searches across search tools, broadening or narrowing your scope as needed (e.g., "impact of classroom design on learning" or "flexible first-grade classroom design").
Use the search box below to search the library:
The library search also uses "search scopes" that you can use to limit your search to a small selection of journals. Use this targeted search to explore a topic within a specific content area, grade level, or topic. It is similar to filtering by subject, but focuses on a small set of high quality journals. For example, looking for literacy strategies within elementary, or social emotional learning in science or math. Note that since these limit to a small set of journals you won't always find every topic. Remember to use the "All" setting to search the entire library.
The remaining tabs in this box list the journals included in each scope.
Feeling stuck or frustrated during your research journey is natural. Here are some tips to overcome those roadblocks and get back on track:
When You've Hit a Wall:
Reframing Your Approach:
Remember, research is a process of discovery and adaptation. By remaining flexible, resourceful, and open to seeking help, you can overcome challenges and unlock new insights.