Research brief

TOPIC OF RESEARCH PROJECT:

Mechanics Institute libraries in Victoria

BRIEF OUTLINE:

After analysing the research topic, to clarify the research subject and to establish the scope of the research, I will then identify, obtain and use relevant research tools and resources available, in both hardcopy and electronically accessed forms. Including books, journals, manuscripts, photographs, video and/or audio recordings, websites, search engines (e.g. metasearch), online and library catalogues, academic portals, visiting libraries/academic libraries/special libraries, archives and records offices, and/or any relevant museums. I will read and evaluate all resources found during research and keep records of search strategies, research tools, and reference resources in bibliography, using the Harvard Referencing guide. I will create and maintain consistent blog posts describing the research process, research findings, and my reflection on the research including any difficulties, discoveries, good reference resources, website links etc... and presenting my research findings assessment by the required due date of week 12.

PLAN AND DEADLINES:

FROM WEEK 5 - 10:

I will create my first ever blog and start posting and writing pages on the research process, research findings, and my reflection on the research. The first blog post will be an outline of my brief report on the research topic - Mechanics Institutes Libraries in Victoria. My second blog will be an introduction and a brief outline of the history of Mechanics Institute Libraries in Victoria.

Further blog posts will include:

• The purpose of libraries

• The services available
• The range of resources held at selected Mechanics Institute libraries in Victoria
• How they are funded
• The type of staff working at selected Mechanics Institute Libraries in Victoria and if staff are paid or volunteers
• The relevance of resource findings to the topic of the research project - Mechanics Institute libraries in Victoria.

All blog post will state the process used to research and update the blog posts and I will post my conclusion in my final blog post. I will present my findings and submit my Assessment by week 12.