Doing Research in Education?--Where to Start!: The Very Beginning

Feeling lost and don't know where to start your research?  Help is right here. 

Library Hours

O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library
651-962-5494 (Circulation)
651-962-5001 (Reference)
651-962-5400 (Hours)
2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
Directions & Parking

Charles J. Keffer Library
651-962-4642 (Circulation)
651-962-4664 (Reference)
651-962-4640 (Hours)
MOH 206, 1000 LaSalle Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Directions & Parking

This guide covers general educational theory and practice, elementary and secondary education, curriculum and instruction, and guidance for documenting resources. Use this guide to get started and use other guides for more specialized information.

Use the tabs to explore what is in this guide.

• Getting started: welcome to the guide!
• Search strategy and tips: defining your question, planning a search strategy for databases
• Finding book: search for print or electronic books, or media
• Reference sources: encyclopedias and research handbooks; these are a lifesaver with summaries of in depth research on a topic
• Finding articles: start here if you are looking for journal articles
• In the news: start here if you need newspaper articles or media segments
• Statistics: stats can be tricky to track down, get started here
• Multimedia: need a video for your project? 
• Websites: use these to supplement your library research
• Citing sources: help for completing the bibliography for your paper/project.

Finally, and most importantly, do not be shy about asking for help.  Librarians are available for research consultations for more in-depth assistance and also via chat and drop in assistance.  All the librarians can help you get started, or answer questions at any stage of the process.

More research help is available on these guides: