The Research Process: A Step-By-Step Guide
Use the links in the table below to navigate the Step-By-Step Guide.
Finding Books
Library Catalogs
Valencia West Campus Library Catalog (LINCCWeb)
Begin your search for books by searching the West Campus Library collection through our online library catalog, called LINCCWeb. For instructions on using LINCCWeb, see the following links:
Orange County Library System Online Catalog
The public libraries in Orange County are often another convenient place to find sources for your research. Search the public libraries online before going; that way you'll know which of the 15 locations to head for!
UCF Libraries Catalog
Please see the UCF Libraries' web page on Non-UCF Faculty, Staff or Student Privileges for information on how you can use resources at the UCF Libraries.
WorldCat via FirstSearch
WorldCat is the collective catalog of thousands of libraries around the world; more than 32 million records are available. You will need to log in with your Borrower ID and PIN number. (See Library Resources FAQ for information on your Borrower ID and PIN).
One advantage to using WorldCat via FirstSearch is that you can request materials be sent to you at West Campus Library, through InterLibrary Loan.
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The Benefits of Browsing
At some point you may find it helpful to simply browse the library shelves. Why?
- Books with similar content are shelved close to each other. So, after finding one promising item through the catalog, it's a good bet you'll find several more near it on the shelf.
- The record you find in the library catalog doesn't always describe the entire contents of a book.
Browsing allows you to scope out those indexes and tables of contents.
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What to do When You Find a Book
- Check the Table of Contents, Preface and Index to see whether and which sections of the book are relevant to your topic.
- Scan the Bibliography or Notes section. You can search for the sources listed there and use them in your own research! Ask yourself the following:
- Are there any sources or authors referenced in several of the books I've found?
- Does the library have these sources, or something by this author?
- Write down the citation information for your list of works cited! Remember to do this now, and save yourself time searching for the information later.
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What to do if You Cannot Find a Book
- Ask a librarian to help you! A librarian may know just the right "tricks of the trade" to help you uncover some hidden gems. He or she may even have worked with students researching similar topics before.
- If you cannot find a book on your topic it may be because your topic is too current. Journal or newspaper articles may yield better results.
- If you have found a book, but it is not available at your library, ask a librarian to request it for you through InterLibrary Loan.
Citing Books
Remember to cite your sources as you go along! Use MLA & APA Style Guides for Print Sources to help you.
Next: Library Databases
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Students 
Research Tools
Research Tools
