Toronto Public Library - The research virtuoso: how to find anything you need to know

TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY

The

Research

Virtuoso

How to Find Anything

You Need to Know

Fully
revised
and
updated

Art by
victoR gad

2012 Toronto Public Library (text)
2012 victoR gad (illustrations)

Researched and written by Jessica Rovito and Peggy Thomas
Edited by Laura Edlund
Cover design by Sheryl Shapiro
Interior design by Kong Njo
Index card with paperclip on , iStockphoto Inc./Leo Blanchette.
Website template on , iStockphoto Inc./bubaone.

The right of the Toronto Public Library to be identified as the Author of this Work has been asserted by it.

All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyrights hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any meansgraphic, electronic, or mechanicalwithout the prior written permission of the publisher.

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This edition published in 2012 by
Annick Press Ltd.
15 Patricia Avenue
Toronto, ON M2M 1H9

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund (CBF) for our publishing activities.

ONTARIO ARTS COUNCIL
CONSEIL DES ARTS DE L'ONTARIO

Cataloging in Publication

The research virtuoso : how to find anything you need to know / Toronto Public Library ; art by victoR gad. Fully rev. and updated ed.

First ed. published under title: The research virtuoso : brilliant methods for normal brains.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Issued also in electronic formats.
ISBN 978-1-55451-394-9

1. Internet searchingHandbooks, manuals, etc. 2. Electronic information resource searchingHandbooks, manuals, etc. 3. Library researchHandbooks, manuals, etc. I. Gad, Victor II. Toronto Public Library

ZA3075.R46 2012 001.4'2 C2011-907313-7

Visit us at: www.annickpress.com
Visit Toronto Public Library at: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Visit victoR gad at: www.victorgad.com

All attempts have been made to contact holders of copyright of any quoted material. Please contact the publisher with any concerns.

Contents

Weve had a great time writing this research guide. Even though we had fancied ourselves to have achieved research virtuoso status, we were pleasantly surprised to learn many new things along the way; this only serves to underscore the fact that learning is a lifelong endeavor.

One of the most exciting aspects of this rewrite has been the convergence of our own personal journeys and experiences. Peggys background in education helped drive the books focus on process. For Jessica, this was the seed that shaped her writing and made this book different, painting a fuller picture of research as a meaningful activity.

Theres nothing new about seeking information. Whats changed is the flood of information that inundates our lives. Our hope is that the tools in this book will help you become critical consumers and navigators of information, creating your own meaning along the way.

Throughout this journey, we have encountered many people who have helped shape this book. Our thanks go out to our colleagues at Toronto Public Library: Anne Bailey, Linda Davis, Phyllis Malette, Ab Velasco, Gwyn Robson, Derek Eng, Joanne Bar, and Phyllis Jacklin. A special thanks goes out to the Downsview Branch of the Toronto Public Library for their flexibility and support. Wed also like to thank our friends at Annick Press: Katie Hearn, Chandra Wohleber, victoR gad, and Laura Edlund for their valuable advice and guidance.

On a personal note, many thanks to Jeremy Mulder for his inspiration, and to our families for their continual support.

Jessica Rovito and Peggy Thomas

Imagine signing out your own librariana knowledgeable guide who shows you how to find the best reliable information on the Internet, in the library, and beyond. Imagine a specialist who keeps in touch with the latest trends and resources, just so you can benefit from them. In The Research Virtuoso, Toronto Public Library brings you some of a librarians expertise in a compact guide so you will be ready to face the often daunting prospect of conducting serious research in the information age.

In September 2005, Research Ate My Brainthe Toronto Public Librarys research handbook for teenswas released in bookstores across North America. In 2006, when Annick Press approached the Library about collaborating on a follow-up book for older readers, it was a natural next step.

The guide is now fully revised and updated to include a wealth of new sources and an exploration of the process of researching. TheResearch Virtuoso covers conceiving, organizing, carrying out, and recording research for papers and projects. It goes on to show how effective research skills will help you succeed not only at school, but also in life.

In addition to consulting library users and staff, the Library gathered valuable input from instructors and librarians in academic institutions. The Library would like to thank Ab Velasco for his hard work in researching and writing the original manuscript, and Jessica Rovito and Peggy Thomas for their work on rewriting this latest edition.

With The Research Virtuoso, the librarian steps out from behind the reference desk and joins you in discovering exciting worlds of knowledge.

Jane Pyper, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library

Its not the destination but the journey that counts. So what does this old saying have to do with you? Dont worry, you didnt just pick up a self-help book by mistakethis really is a research guide. If youre reading this book in your hour of need, desperately seeking help with a research paper thats due tomorrow, then youre probably a little disappointed by that first sentence. But trust me: everything goes back to that old saying eventually. Yes, even your dreaded research assignment.

Learning how to research properly gives you a valuable skill for the rest of your life. Even if you never have to write another essay again, youll continue to research one thing or another, most times without even realizing it. Your future research needs might include things like getting ready to buy a car, gathering information about a potential employer, or deciding where to go on vacation. Consider buying a new mobile device for a moment. With all the choices available in contracts, data plans, and so on, things can get a bit overwhelming. To make an informed decision, youll have to weigh all of your options. And believe it or not, this book will help you do just that. Or how about staying up-to-date on the latest musicians, movies, or trends? Well, thats a part-time job on its own, one that will undoubtedly benefit from your intimate knowledge of the research process.