By Donna L. Gilton
Starting research and defining information needs is the most difficult part of doing library and information research for many people. In teaching about information, it is often a good idea to connect the organization of the instruction to research strategies that students, or patrons may use to acheive an academic, research, or personal goal. Most of the websites listed here will describe research processes and search strategies used mainly for term papers in school, academic, and public libraries. One source listed here discusses how disciplines develop, a subject that can be part of a presentation on how to find information. Listed here are also a couple of commercial sites on concept mapping and other creative approaches that can to used to determine information needs. Not listed here, but still relevant are examples of other research done in public, special, and other libraries including career research, job hunting, financial planning and investment, local history, and genealogical research. Any of these approaches to research can be used as conceptual frameworks to show students both the most practical strategies to use in finding information as well as how information sources work together to solve researchers' problems.
Conceptual Frameworks, in General
Existing Search Strategies and Pathfinders
Concept Mapping
Creating Original Research Strategies
Research Strategies Online