- Make a list of topics on which you need further information. Check your reading list, course reserves and lecture notes. Note the works or authors referred to which could be a useful place to start?
- Starting with the Wikipedia can be helpful but then move on to the Catalogue. For help in using the Catalogue, check the tutorials.
- If you need further help understanding the words, check dictionaries and encyclopedias for keyword ideas. Note any useful titles or books you want to read.
- Use the resources by subject page to locate article indexes. This will help you find discipline/subject specific databases. The database links directly to the journal article with the Findit@McGill logo. Check the keywords or subject headings included in that database for further search ideas. Many topics are interdisciplinary so it is useful to search widely. You may wish to refine your search by adding a concept or idea.
- Look at McGill Library’s homepage for other resources, such as newspapers, government information, or statistics.
- Keep track of all your readings, even if you do not use them directly. Use the Library's research log . Remember to use EndNote, our citation software, an excellent tool to make this task easier for you. Attend a class to show you how to use it most effectively.
- If you need help, ask our librarians: in person, on chat, by email or by phone. They will help and advise you. There are also workshops available which will provide useful strategies.