How Do You Feel about Library Research?

Choose all the correct answers:
a. Library research is a pain.
b. Library research is the best part of college.
c. Library research skills will be useful my whole life.
d. Library research is something I'll have to do in college whether I like it or not.

Many people hate to do library research. As a result, some of them avoid it altogether. Others do it badly.

Some research (Kuhlthau, 1993) suggests that a certain pattern of feelings is common among new library users.

Ask yourself, "Does research often feel like running a maze?"

People are often uncertain and hesitant at the beginning of their research projects. How can I get started? How much work will I have to do? What kind of paper will I be able to write?

However, when they have selected a topic, those feelings of uncertainty and doubt fade, and they are replaced by feelings of optimism, especially if the topic is one they are eager to explore and write up. Most students go to the library at this time with the feeling that the assignment will be completed easily. They want to start running! They are ready to collect materials and get to work!

Unfortunately, these feelings of optimism don't usually last. As students discover the complexity of their topics, reflected in much more information than they can possibly locate (or read, or absorb), they become confused (What am I doing, anyway?), doubtful (How could I ever write a good paper on this topic?), and frustrated (I need a new topic!).

Students who give in to their frustration may get a new topic, and then experience the same cycle of feelings all over again.

Students who persevere despite their negative feelings may decide that they hate doing research and writing papers.

That's too bad, because research projects can be among the best experiences you have in college. You're in charge of what you learn! Research you plan and carry out can prepare you for work in other courses, and it can even lead or contribute to a lifelong interest or a valued career.

Is it possible to enjoy research? Many people don't enjoy it, but others seem to do it almost naturally, completing projects easily and well. How?

There are many different approaches to doing research, and none is guaranteed for everyone, but some scientific research has found that many students who enjoy doing research and do it well seem to go through certain stages in the research process.