Depending on your subject and the kinds of information you are seeking, you might search library catalogs, databases, or the Web (see Chapter 12); browse library shelves and visit periodicals rooms; or conduct interviews, observations, or surveys. Creating a search plan before you begin will save time and keep you focused.

To develop a search plan, think about what you need to know and how you plan to use what you find. Then try to identify the types of sources most likely to provide the information you are looking for. If you are writing about recent developments in consumer robotics, for example, you want the most up-to-date information you can find. As a result, you should look in library databases focusing on the subject and search the Web. You might also want to interview an expert on the subject, such as a professor of engineering or computer science. In contrast, if you are writing about the influence of Greek culture on the Roman Empire, you would probably focus on books and scholarly journals that you find by searching your library catalog, browsing the shelves, and visiting periodicals rooms.

If you’re not sure where to start, a reference librarian can suggest search strategies and relevant resources. You can learn more about creating a research plan and locating and using sources in Part Three.