European Studies: Research Help

Research guide dedicated to European studies and KU courses dedicated to the study of Europe

Starting Your Research

Use The Craft of Research to help you conceptualize and develop your research project.

  • Chapter 3: From Topics to Questions will guide you through the process of asking questions until you arrive at the burning question that you want to answer.
  • Chapter 4: From Questions to a Problem will help you shape your questions into a hypothesis that will give your research project direction.  
  • Chapter 5: From Problems to Sources will guide you through the process fo finding reliable and relevant information.  And don't forget to ask a librarian for help.

Video Tutorials for Finding Resources at KU Libraries

Citing Your Sources

Evaluating Sources

How to search for sources effectively?

Trail Photo

Follow the Bibliographic Trail:  One proven method for gathering reliable information efficiently is to follow the citations or references from one source to another.   The author's bibliography can lead you to other sources on the topic.

Identify Keywords:  Before searching the Library Catalog or other databases, take a few minutes to write down all the words that describe your topic on the worksheet below.  Use these words and phrases in keyword or Boolean searches.

Boolean Searching:  Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to connect keywords for phrases in your searches:  Example:  (solar OR wind) AND energy AND russia NOT Moscow.

Manage your sources and citations

Zotero      Endnote

Try one of these bibliographic management tools.  They can help you keep track of sources, generate bibliographies, store documents, and save you time in the long run.