Research Papers and Referenced Papers
I need help with a research paper…but where do I start?
Our People
1. Broward County Library has trained professionals at every single one of its library locations to help you find exactly what you need. Don't try to figure out how to search for materials on your own or just rely on a search engine, take the time to visit a Broward County Library. Our librarians are experts in helping you save time and access exactly what you need.
Our Databases
2. With your Broward County Library card, you have access to hundreds of specialized databases at no cost. These same databases charge hundreds of dollars to customers for the same information.
Our Collections
3. Broward County Library also has special areas such as Main Library's Business, Law, and Government Section (BLG) and the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center's Special Collections (AARLCC). These are incredible resources that can immensely help you research your topic.
What is a style guide?
In writing a research paper, you will need to follow set guidelines. Most research papers or manuscript submissions require the American Psychological Association or APA standards:
American Psychological Association. 2001. Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author: [APA]
Another style that Master of Taxation students' use is called a Turabian style:
What are references?
References are outside materials you use to research your paper. Examples include:
- Articles from journals
- Books
- Magazines
- Annual reports
- Interviews
- Web sites
What does the paper include?
A research paper, referenced paper, or term paper has a cover sheet, table of contents, the paper itself, and references in alphabetical order by source.
How do I ask for help?
Many people are hesitant to ask a librarian for help. If you are writing a research paper, the best thing you can do is prepare a few questions about the information you are seeking. Advising a librarian you need help or telling them you have a paper on a general topic, is going to keep you from getting help. The librarian is going to have to ask you for more information to narrow down your search options. Here are some helpful tips:
- What is the topic of your paper? The real topic. Instead of advising a librarian that you are researching a topic such as trade - explain to the person what you will be discussing such as the impact of certain trade agreements or trade in a specific region of the world.
- What information do you have and what information do you really need? A librarian is going to take the time to help you find information, but if you already have information a parts of the paper, tell the person that. This way you will save time and the librarian will be able to ask you more detailed questions.
- If you are unsure about your topic, create an outline and see where you need to support your statement or argument. Bring that to the library as a basis to start the discussion.
- Ask the librarian for recommendations. Librarians are information experts that can help you find exactly what you need and can recommend additional materials that will make your research shine.
Where do I find these references?
Your Broward County Library has more than three million items to help you conduct your research.
Visual Catalog
The Visual Catalog will help you find materials related to your topic and provide the information in a "word cloud" with other related subjects and information. You may not realize that two topics are related or that another subject could impact your topic directly.
Click here to access the Visual Catalog.
Free Online Resources - Hundreds of Free Databases
Your Broward County Library has hundreds of online databases to help you get started. With your Broward County Library card you can:
- Access these databases for free - from home, work, school, or a Wi-Fi laptop
- Most databases give you the option to access the article as an .html or Web page file or a .pdf version. You can save the .pdf to your computer or laptop so you will not have to search for it again
Click here to access these databases through our Free Online Resources.
Click here to review a list of questions that will help you decide what databases you need to use.
How can I find out more about BLG or AARLCC?
Click here for more information about BLG.
Click here for more information about AARLCC.
Once you began writing your paper, keep these points in mind:
Commonly Misspelled and Incorrectly Used Words
- Affect/Effect - The affect means to influence while an effect is the result or outcome.
- Judgment - Many people spell this as judgement, however no e is after the g.
- Then/Than - Then would be normally used in a paper when discussing the next topic or issue. Than is usually used in comparison of objects.
- A lot - Many people use alot, instead of the correct: a lot.
- Its/It's - Many times people do not realize that It's is a contraction for It is and not the proper Its.
Formatting
- Bullet points are acceptable in a paper. Many students are afraid to use these, but they can clearly show the reader the information.
- Numbers - Numbers from one to nine should be spelled out.
Last Steps
Remember to proofread your paper one last time. It should flow and keep the reader's interest. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling should be correct.
Check your references -- If you are not sure how to site a specific reference, take the time to ask your professor, check the manual, or check online.
Finally, make sure you save a copy of your final paper. Your professor may ask for an electronic copy to be submitted to plagiarism checking site such as turnitin.com. You will want to make sure you have the exact paper that you turned in.
