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How to do Library Research

This guide was co-created by the Research & Instruction Department and the Research & Instruction Librarian Intern, Allyson Turner.

How to synthesize multiple sources

An easy way to organize multiple sources into one broader research topic is by using a synthesis matrix -- a table that helps organize your resources according to the themes they cover. It helps show where resources overlap on the topic and where they diverge in coverage. This allows you to weave them together into your research in a clear, coherent manner.

Once you have the resources you want to use for your research, begin by creating a table like the one below. Identify the major themes that you want to highlight in your research, or that you discovered while conducting your searches. Then, fill out the table, pinpointing instances where different resources discuss the different themes. Not every source will cover every theme and that's okay. The gaps in your table may give you clues about gaps in your resources or in the literature at large.

Example of a blank synthesis matrix:
  Theme 1 Theme 2 Theme 3
Source A      
Source B      
Source C      

Example of a partially completed synthesis matrix:

Topic: Information Literacy (IL) and evolving student needs
  IL & COVID-19 Responding to student needs Effects on students
Louderback (2021) COVID-19 modifications to instruction (virtual lessons, online reference, increased Web presence) Increased virtual reference & additional services  
Dalal, Charles, Dempsey, Berg, Bushby, & Dalrymple (2022) Synchronous & asynchronous remote formats; changing information-seeking behaviors   Librarian-initiated interactions with students led to increased use of library website & research materials
Michalak & Rysavy (2023) IL program revamped to match increased online courses Created & updated online IL program for first-year students; adopted campus-wide tools Initial IL online program improved student scores

 

How to paraphrase and avoid plagiarism

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism, according to the Regis University Academic Integrity Policy, is "a form of dishonesty by which the person misrepresents someone else's words, ideas, phrases, sentences or data as his or her own or otherwise fails to properly acknowledge the source of such material through complete and accurate citations and reference lists. Both the intentional and unintentional use of another's work constitutes plagiarism."

Plagiarism may be lifting quotes from references without using quotation marks, citing the original creator, or adding the work to your references page. It can also be paraphrasing the way someone wrote something simply because you can't think of another way to communicate the information.

The best way to avoid plagiarism is to thoroughly cite the sources you use in your research.

Why is it important to cite my sources?

Not only should you cite your sources in order to avoid violating university academic integrity policies, but because it is good form in the process of scholarly communications. Attributing the work of scholars before you gives them credit for what they have done and ensures that anyone interested in your topic can access the resources that helped you to your conclusions.

Where can I get help with citing my sources?

The Writing Center in the Learning Commons offers help with integrating your sources into your writing.

This Writing and Citing research guide has further specifics on citation styles.

Purdue OWL is a great resource for citation help as well.