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The Research Process

Step 1: Read assignment outline carefully & know what kinds of resources you need to find.
Step 2: Do some background reading on your topic, so you know what your topic is about. Use textbooks, the internet, or the library search page to find contextual information. You may need to narrow your topic at this point.
Step 3: Make a list of keywords that relate to your topic
Step 4: Go to the library website, and type in your search terms.
Step 5: Make sure you know how to limit your results, so that you see which articles will be the most useful for your topic.

Research Guides

How-to Guides

The following guides are to assist you with understanding some of the different services the library offers, for more information please contact either campuses librarian.

Activity Worksheets

Below are some activity sheets you can use when learning how to research. Follow the research steps as outlined at the top of this page and use these worksheets to learn the skills. If you have questions, please contact the Library.

Library FAQs

• How do I create my student ID?

  If you are enrolled in courses, you are eligible to receive a student ID card. All you need to do is bring a government issued piece of photo ID (a passport, BCID, driver’s license) to the library. Be ready to give your student number and one class you are enrolled in to confirm your enrollment. Printing a card is free for the first time. If you are looking to replace a lost ID, a replacement fee of $25 has to be paid at the bookstore. Click here for more details.

• How do I borrow material from the library?

  If you are enrolled in courses, you are eligible to receive a student ID card. All you need to do is bring a government issued piece of photo ID (a passport, BCID, driver’s license) to the library. Be ready to give your student number and one class you are enrolled in to confirm your enrollment. Printing a card is free for the first time. If you are looking to replace a lost ID, a replacement fee of $25 has to be paid at the bookstore. Click here for more details.

• How long can I borrow books for?

  When you take out your first book at the library, we create your library account. After that, all you need is to show your card when borrowing material from the library. For more information click here.

• Can I renew my book?

  There are different loan types at the library, each with different loan periods.

  Item	Loan Period	Overdue Fines
  Current Textbooks	3 hours	$60
  Previous Edition Textbooks	7 days	$10
  Film Reserves	2 days	$5
  References	1 day	$25
  Fiction	21 days	$1
  Non-Fiction	21 days	$1
  DVDs & Blu-Rays	7 days	$5
  PS4/Xbox One Games	3 days	$10
  PS3/Xbox 360 Games	7 days	$5
  Audio Visual Materials	3 hours	$5

• I need to renew my book but I am not on campus. What can I do?

  Students are able to renew their book as long as they call or email the library before or on the day that it is due. If you do not know how to contact the library, please click here.

• What happens when I return a book late?

  If you return a book late, you will receive a fine. The fine depends on the type of loan (See the above table on Loan Types, Loan Periods, and Fines). You will continue to receive fines each day the book is late.

• If I have a fine on my library account, what can I do?

  If you have a fine on your account, you will need to pay it before borrowing or renewing any library material. You can pay your fines at the bookstore, then present the receipt to the library.

• Can I print/scan/copy at the library?

  Yes, but first you will need to create a Papercut printing account and have at least $5 on your account. For more information, click here.

• How do I book a research workshop?

  To book a research workshop, go to the WLC Login page. If this is your first visit, create an account here. Once you have created an account, find 09. Research Help. Once logged in you can set up an appointment with the librarians or the library assistants during their listed hours.