The research process can be time consuming and challenging. College research assignments will ask you to pose a research question, create an argument, interpret research you read, synthesize the research to support your argument with well reasoned, valid evidence that properly cites its original source. The research process is one that takes time and it must also be conducted with academic integrity. Know that at Columbia you have many resources at your fingertips to consult with and plan out your writing and revision process when conducting research.
Research Support from the Libraries
Columbia University Libraries offers many ways to support your research, from consultations with subject-specialist librarians, course-related instruction and workshops, and citation management software and expertise to research guides, online tutorials, and the vast collections and resources we provide for your use.
Research Guides by Subject
Columbia University Libraries provides research guides and course guides as resources for subject area research.
Schedule a Research Consultation
Request an appointment with a librarian to review library, archival, print and electronic resources, including primary sources.
Evaluating Online Sources
Columbia University Libraries provides guidance on how to determine if a source is credible.
Copyright Advisory Services
As a student, your university program may have provided you with some guidance on the reproduction and distribution of existing materials. Copyright law plays a big part in how you can use, distribute and re-use materials your scholarly work. Visit Copyright Advisory Service’s website for more information.
Undergraduate Research & Fellowships
We support Columbia undergraduates and alumni in exploring and applying for internal, national, and international fellowships. We inform students, faculty, and staff about a full range of opportunities and help students determine which programs best meet their intellectual, professional, and personal goals.
Columbia Undergraduate Scholars Program (CUSP)
The Columbia Undergraduate Scholars Program (CUSP) aims to foster the intellectual, social, and cultural growth essential to leadership in our highly specialized and culturally diverse world. The Program provides named Scholars with enhanced academic and cultural opportunities unique to a great research university in the heart of Manhattan. In order to fulfill their academic, personal, and professional development, this academic enhancement Program offers Scholars access and exposure to leaders and professionals in a wide variety of fields. Designed to support and enrich the Scholars' college experience through active exploration of University and New York City resources, the Program incorporates research activities in a variety of disciplines, and offers internship opportunities as well as on- and off-campus activities which encourage the development of student potential.
From Books to Bytes: Navigating the Research Ecosystem
"From Books to Bytes: Navigating the Research Ecosystem," created by the Libraries at Columbia University in partnership with the Center for Teaching and Learning, is a set of online resources that define the research cycle, provide students with practical strategies, and guide students through the vast resources available to them at Columbia.
The primary audience for this series is Columbia-affiliated students.
Faculty, in collaboration with a librarian, could use these learning modules for the courses they teach to help familiarize students with the research ecosystem at Columbia and direct them to useful resources available through the Libraries.
Whether you’re an undergrad writing your first paper, or an established author with multiple publications, navigating this research ecosystem can be daunting. This series aims to guide you through the research process by providing more clarity, information and appropriate resources to help you manage each stage of research.
The stages of the research cycle recommend that you plan, explore, manage, draft, preserve and share your work. These stages are neither linear, nor cyclical. They are all connected and all necessary to produce your best research work.