Research 101
Foundational Learning and Engagement Librarian
Library Orientation
Learn about top Kennedy Library Resources and Services in this 20-minute tutorial.
- Kennedy Library OrientationLearn about top resources (like course reserves) and how to search in the library's OneSearch catalog and databases.
Library Research Module
Do you have a research assignment and don’t know where to start?
The Library Research 101 Tutorial will take you through the steps of the research process in four self-guided lessons on...
- finding information in the Libary's OneSearch catalog and databases
- research ethics and types of bias in research
- evaluating information sources for credibility and quality
- identifying and understanding different types of information sources
There are knowledge check questions for you to test your own understanding and a research notebook where you can apply your research topic and practice the steps in the research process.
For Students - Self-Enroll
- Self-enroll in our Library Canvas Course to access the moduleIf the module is not available through one of your courses, you can access it by self-enrolling in the Library’s Canvas Course. The module is titled “Research 101”.
For Instructors - Upload from Canvas Commons
- Add the "Research 101" Tutorial to Your Canvas CourseFor instructors, feel free to use any or all of this module in your own Canvas shells. We have published these pages to the Canvas Commons, for your use. NOTE: If this link doesn't work, go to the Canvas Commons and search for the title of the module "Research 101 Tutorial". You may need to filter by “shared with California Polytechnic State University” when searching by tutorial title.
Finding Data Tutorial and Notebook
In this self-guided tutorial, students learn search strategies for finding data and visualizations.
- Finding Data TutorialThis tutorial takes approximately 30 minutes and includes knowledge check questions to check for understanding of the content.
- Finding Data Research NotebookPractice finding data and visualizations on your topic using this guided worksheet.
Visit the Introduction to Data Visualization research guide for more help or book an appointment with a peer instructor to get help with your project.
Finding, Using and Citing Images Tutorial
In the Finding, Using & Citing Images self-guided tutorial, students learn how to find the best images for their topic, analyze images for effectiveness and credibility, and are introduced to MLA and attribution citation styles for images. This tutorial takes approximately 30 minutes and includes knowledge check questions to check for understanding of the content.
For Students
- Finding, Using & Citing Images Tutorial Access the Finding, Using & Citing Images Tutorial here.
- Optional: Finding, Using & Citing Images ActivityThis short exercise will take you through the steps of finding, using and citing the best images to use in your paper.
For Instructors - Import the Tutorial to Your Canvas Course
- Finding, Using & Citing Images Tutorial (Canvas Commons Module)Instructors can import the Finding, Using & Citing Images Tutorial into their Canvas course as a Canvas module from Commons. You can import directly from the link above (make sure you're signed into your Cal Poly account) or you can search for the title of the module on Canvas Commons: "Finding, Using & Citing Images". You have the option to have students complete the tutorial as a graded assignment, an ungraded assignment, or a page.