Preparing for research
There are some practical tips that can help you prepare for the research process and begin it with more confidence.
Comfort Tips
![Image showing a study space](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/library-pictogram.png)
Find the place that best works for you to study and write; your college library or your own room.
![Image showing the volume](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/loudspeaker.png)
Decide if it works for you to work quietly or with a little distraction such as background music.
![Image with a man on his phone](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/1532847022.png)
Avoid distractions from your social environment like roommates, and online social media networks.
![Image showing a clock](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/BPM-Timer1.png)
Determine the time you enjoy doing mentally engaging work; early in the morning or later in the day.
Mechanical Tips
![Image showing a man with a bookmark](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/user_bookmark.png)
Bookmark the library website and find out when the physical library is open.
![Image showing an arrow](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/artmaster-login-mini-icon.png)
Identify the log-in or authentication procedure for accessing library resources from off-campus.
![Image showing an identification card](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/id-card.png)
Issue a photocopying and printing card, as some of the resources may be in print format.
![Image showing a USB](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/Anonymous-USB-memorystick.png)
Get a removable storage device or access Google Drive or Dropbox to save your sources.
Psychological Tips
![Image showing a procrastinator](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/kick-back.png)
If you are a procrastinator, start research early enough or you are taking the risk of doing too little.
![Image showing someone powerful](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/klaasvangend-processor-active.png)
If you are a perfectionist, try not to cover everything, or you are taking the risk of missing your focus.
![Image showing a lady working with a laptop](https://libapps-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/404/images/publicdomainq-worker.png)
Contact a librarian at [email protected]. We can help you find resources and strategically plan your research. You will feel that you are not alone in this process.