*A lack of search results is not the same thing as a lack of available information!*

 One of the biggest challenges for students is being patient with themselves and the research process. Sometimes, it can take multiple search attempts before you can find exactly what you need for your research assignments. Some students become quickly frustrated when they are seemingly not getting enough, if any positive results to their search queries. This can lead students to a belief that either the library does not have much if anything on their topic or that there isn't much if anything written about it at all.

Some factors to consider when performing a search for available resources include developing a strong list of possible search terms to use and using the correct spelling of the words/terms used to perform searches.

Before giving up, please contact one of your VPCC librarians for further assistance as they possess a great well of knowledge of various topics as well as solid research skills that can ensure your research success.

Dictionary.Com - Free Online dictionary that not only gives the correct definition of words but their correct spelling as well

Thesaurus.Com - Free online thesaurus that will help you find synonyms for the terms you have planned to use.

***Your VPCC Librarians can be contacted for any assistance you may need regarding your research. They are able to assist you with:

• Determining what your topic of research
• Appropriate keywords or terms to use for searches
• Effective use of the library catalog and databases
• Research Paper and Resource Citation Formatting
• Popular vs. Scholarly/Peer-Reviewed Resources
• Finding Resources outside of the library

For further assistance, your Virginia Peninsula Community College Librarians are always ready to assist you virtually and in person. We take walk-ins and virtual appointments. The contact information for your VPCC Librarians is:

Kady Fortier - Library Director - 757-825-2871 - Academic Division Liaison to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Haddon Wright - Library Circulation Specialist - 757-825-3656 - Academic Division Liaison to Arts, Business, Humanities and Social Sciences

Courtney Marshall - Access Services Specialist - 757-825-4064 - Academic Division Liaison to Workforce Development as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Bob Harrison - Distance Learning Librarian - 757-825-3829 - Academic Division Liaison to Public Safety, Allied Health and Human Services 

The concept of "H & The 5Ws" is really simple. It is basically the How, Who, What, Where, When, and Why regarding your topic of research. Answering these questions will allow you to dig deeper into your brain and find more keywords/terms to use for searches that you may not realize you know at first. Specifically:

HOW 

• How does this topic work? How does it function? How does it do what it does?
• How did it come to be?
• How are those involved affected?
• How does the topic develop over time?

WHAT

• What is your topic narrowed down in a simple phrase/sentence?
• What does your topic involve? (i.e. What are the different parts to it?)
• What is it similar to / different from?
• What might be affected/changed by your topic?
• Are there any laws, legislation, experiments, etc., that may be an integral part of my topic of research?
• What is the full scope of my topic and are there any areas related to my topic that are connected to it?

WHO

• Who is involved?
• Who is affected?
• Who will benefit?
• Who will be harmed?
• This includes individuals AND groups such as businesses, governmental bodies, Etc.

WHERE

• Where does this take place? (Where did it …. Where will it … Where should it ….?)
• Does it matter where it takes place? Is it affected by location?
• Includes face-to-face as well as virtually

WHEN

• When does this take place? When did this take place? When will it take place? When should this take place?
• Does when this takes place affect the topic?

WHY

• Why is this topic important? Why does it matter?
• Why do certain things happen? (What are some causes and effects within the topic?)
• Why did it become important when and where it did? 
• Why is it important to me, and why should it be important to anyone?

A key component of the research process is finding the right keyword or term to find what you want to research. It can be tricky sometimes, but with these simple hints, you can streamline the research process and ensure a more productive experience. Some factors to consider are:

• Alternative terms/words or synonyms
• Correct spelling of terms/words
• Research Reconnaissance or What do I already know about my topic of research