Geology Research Guide

This guide contains library resources to help you locate quality, authoritative sources for your Geology research. You'll learn how to develop your research topic, then find, evaluate, and cite your sources. Use the yellow tabs along the left to guide you.

The library is here to help you along the way! If you have a research question, use the Get Help from a Librarian tab to start a chat or schedule a research appointment.

Any time you're doing research, please be sure to read your assignment carefully so you find the types of sources your instructor requires. Check with your instructor if you have questions about your assignment.

GEL105: Introduction to Physical Geology

The MCC Library has boxes of rocks and minerals that you will be asked to come in and examine during this course. These boxes are kept in our Reserves area and are available for in-library use. Please stop at the Library Desk and ask to see any of the following:

• Minerals
• Igneous Rocks
• Sedimentary Rocks
• Metamorphic Rocks

The Research Process

1. Information need: What is your assignment asking you to find? 
2. Pre-research: Choose a topic, learn more about it, narrow it down, find keywords.
3. Research question: What is your assignment asking you to create?
4. Search strategy: Where will you look for information?
5. Search: Start with the main ideas of your topic or research question.
6. Evaluate every source you find - for credibility and usefulness.
7. Cite: You have found credible sources and answered your research question!