What are effective ways to help users conduct architectural research?

1 Know your research question

Before you dive into the library catalog or the online databases, you need to have a clear and focused research question. This will help you narrow down your topic, identify the relevant keywords, and formulate your search strategy. A good research question should be specific, answerable, and relevant to your field of interest. For example, instead of asking "How does architecture affect the environment?", you could ask "How do green roofs reduce urban heat island effect in Toronto?"

2 Use the library guides

One of the best ways to find the appropriate sources and tools for your architectural research is to use the library guides. These are online resources that provide curated and customized information for different subjects, courses, and projects. You can access them from the library website or ask a librarian for assistance. The library guides can help you discover the best databases, journals, books, websites, and other resources for your topic. They can also provide tips on how to search, cite, and evaluate the information you find.

3 Consult a librarian

Another effective way to help you conduct architectural research is to consult a librarian. Librarians are experts in information literacy and can help you with any stage of your research process. You can contact them via email, phone, chat, or in person. You can also book an appointment for a one-on-one consultation or attend a workshop on various topics related to architectural research. Librarians can help you refine your research question, develop your search strategy, locate and access the sources you need, and avoid plagiarism and copyright issues.

4 Explore the archives and special collections

If you are looking for unique and original sources for your architectural research, you may want to explore the archives and special collections of the library. These are collections of rare and valuable materials, such as manuscripts, photographs, drawings, maps, models, and more, that are not available elsewhere. You can browse the online finding aids or catalogs to see what is available, or ask an archivist for guidance. You may need to follow some special rules and procedures to access and use these materials, such as filling out a request form, handling them with care, and citing them properly.

5 Use the interlibrary loan and document delivery services

Sometimes, you may not find the sources you need within your own library. In that case, you can use the interlibrary loan and document delivery services to request them from other libraries or institutions. These are services that allow you to borrow or obtain copies of books, articles, reports, and other materials that are not held by your library. You can submit your request online or in person, and you will receive a notification when the item is ready for pickup or delivery. You may need to pay a fee or follow some restrictions depending on the type and availability of the item.

6 Organize and manage your information

The final effective way to help you conduct architectural research is to organize and manage your information. This will help you keep track of your sources, avoid losing or duplicating data, and create your references and bibliography. You can use various tools and methods to organize and manage your information, such as folders, files, labels, notes, bookmarks, spreadsheets, and more. You can also use a citation management software, such as Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote, to collect, store, and format your citations and references in your preferred style.