How To Write A Research Paper

Things have changed greatly from when I was in high school and college. I was not introduced to anything having to do with computers until I was in my second year of college. My computer class consisted of learning how to code punch cards to inter information into a computer. It was slow and frustrating; it made no sense to me.

I worked in the library on campus to help pay for my expenses. I worked in two areas; government documents and periodicals. I would help the research librarians collect information on different topics. I would also teach freshmen how to write a research paper by explaining how to look up government documents as well as periodicals. The highest technology equipment we had was a microfiche reader. The students would look up certain broad topics and would be given a list of articles or government documents that were written about the topic. They then had to fill out a form to check the document or periodical out, for use in the library only. Research books, periodicals and documents could not leave the second floor research area. This always seemed a bit strange to me. It was like keeping the knowledge away from the general public and only making available to someone that happened upon it, and then for only a brief time.

Today I am sure that my children would think I am from outer space if I would explain how to write a research paper the way I learned. When I told my son that I specialized in government documents and that they were not allowed out of the library he thought I was making it up. He showed me the website where you can download any government document that you could possibly want. You can also read magazine and professional journal publications on line. The use of the periodicals was always my favorite tip to give freshmen when telling them how to write a research paper. I liked how current the information is in journals and magazines, especially the weekly magazines. Now news and information is available immediately there is no need to wait until the next addition of a magazine comes out, you simply need to go on line. The other day I saw my daughter’s most recent paper. The bibliography included the various websites that she had used in addition to her research materials from the library.  I never thought that I would have to go back to school first myself to relearn how to write a research paper before I would be able to give them accurate information.

Summary: Writing a research paper is not difficult is you break it down into steps. Doing the research itself is much easier today thanks the the internet and the vast information available on practically any topic.