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Engineering Resources: Getting Started

How to Write a Research Paper

See our online guide for How to Research for tips and video tutorials on selecting a topic, using library resources, and citing sources.

Still Stuck? More Help on How to Get Started

Why Use a Reference Source

Reference sources provide background information about your topic. They provide context and help you gain a clearer understanding of the issue or subject you are writing about. They provide you with an overview of the topic and can help you focus your investigation by providing common subtopics, events, personalities, and keywords. Normally you do cite a reference source because it is Subject Common Knowledge. 

Engineering Research Papers

Engineers regularly consult several different types of information sources, as these sources have different qualities and uses. The best sources to consult will depend on your information need. Engineers share their research findings primarily through journal articles and conference papers, but also through technical reports, patents, standards, websites, trade publications, and dissertations and theses. 

Journal articles and conference papers are especially important because:

  • These publications contain research results that establish new facts and move the discipline forward.
  • These are original research.
  • These publications contain the most current research.

Information in most journals has undergone a peer-review process to help ensure accuracy and reliability. Some conference papers are also peer-reviewed. 

-Definition provided by NAU’s Guide to Engineering Research.

How to Find Information and Get Help

Pima Community College (PCC) offers access to a wide range of information resources for students. From the tabs above, PCC students have access to printed books, eBooks, databases to access journal articles, tips on how to cite your references and more to help you with your research.  A lot of resources are available in person at your local  PCC library, as well as being available online.  If you have any questions or issues accessing them, please reach out to a librarian.

Tutorial 1: Getting Started with Research

Tutorial 2: Information Resources