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Lehigh University Libraries - Library Guides

IR 210: Theories of Foreign Policy

Reference Materials

Finding Background Information

Keep a Research Log

Before embarking on an extensive research project, you may want to create an Excel (Google) spreadsheet or Word (Google) document to record your research process and reflect on next steps.

Consider creating a spreadsheet to keep a record of the search statements you used when searching in various places (e.g. databases).  This way you will avoid redoing the same searches. You can also create worksheets to record: tasks; background information sources;  reading completed and to be done; items to obtain in full-text; email alerts for new literature that you set up. etc.  Please feel free to customize the Excel sheet below to meet your needs.

 


Sample of spreadsheet structure