This section has answered the question, “How much and what kind of information should you be looking for when researching a topic?”. Key points to remember are:
- Analyse the topic carefully to identify the main ideas or concepts, and use these to identify the key words for your information search.
- Conduct a background information search to define terms, gather facts and get a topic overview.
- Use your keywords to search for in-depth information on the Web, in library catalogues and in databases.
- Determine whether you have enough information by checking assignment requirements.
Learning more
You can learn more about developing effective search strategies in this video from the University of Sydney Library—Search smarter, search faster.
Library subject guides are available on the RMIT University Library website. These research guides will provide you with a starting point for finding information relating to your particular area of study.
You can attend Library classes on topics such as subject databases and internet searching.
If you need more help …
- You can Ask a Librarian using chat or email
- Contact staff at the RMIT University Library
- Contact staff at the RMIT University Vietnam Library.
Where to now?
To continue, select Next to go to the next topic.
