IWU OCLS Blog

5 Time-Saving Research Tips

5 Time-Saving Research Tips

Research plays a crucial role in academics, but it can be overwhelming and take up a lot of time.

This blog post will share five helpful tips to make your research process more efficient.

These tips will help you plan your research, organize your searches, make the most of library resources, use databases effectively, and access academic papers easily. Let's get started!

Plan your research before you start.

• Before you start your research, take some time to plan.
• Set clear objectives, outline the areas you want to explore and create a timeline.
• The OCLS Research Worksheet can help you plan your search. The worksheet can be filled out on your computer and saved.
• Planning will help you avoid aimless browsing and focus on finding the information you need.

Take time to learn how to use the databases.

• Databases are powerful tools for research, but they can be complex.
• Take the time to understand how to navigate and search within each database you use.
• By becoming familiar with their features, you can quickly find relevant information and save time.

Use library tutorials and user guides.

• IWU Online Campus Library Services provides tutorials and user guides to help you navigate the databases effectively.
• Next to some databases, you will see a question mark icon. This means the database has a user guide that will help you learn how to use the database.  
• Use these materials to familiarize yourself with the library's search interfaces, databases, and available tools.
• Learning the ins and outs of these resources can save you significant time, allowing you to locate relevant materials and streamline your research process quickly.

Track the searches you try. 

• Record the search terms and strategies you use during your research.
• You can avoid duplicating efforts by tracking your searches and revisiting previous queries if needed.
• Use a spreadsheet, a note-taking app, or a specialized research tool to maintain an organized and easily accessible log of your search history.
• The OCLS Research Worksheet can help you keep track of your searches. The worksheet can be filled out on your computer and saved. 

Use Lean Library Open for access to academic papers outside the library.

• Accessing academic papers can sometimes be challenging, especially behind paywalls.
• Lean Library Open is a fantastic browser extension that helps you legally access research articles even if you are outside your institution's library network. This tool can save you precious time by bypassing access restrictions and allowing you to retrieve scholarly articles hassle-free.

Research doesn't have to be a time-consuming task. Following these five tips can make your research more efficient and save valuable time. Plan your research, learn how to use databases effectively with library tutorials and guides, keep track of your searches, and use Lean Library Open for easy access to academic papers.

With these strategies, you can conduct your research more smoothly and achieve better results.

Happy researching!