We envision our libraries as dynamic central hubs for learning, embracing the future with an unwavering commitment to inspire a genuine love for reading and cultivate a deep appreciation for academic integrity. We strive to empower our students, fueling their curiosity and nurturing intellectual growth. By challenging them to be critical thinkers, we are shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, creating a brighter and more enlightened world through the power of knowledge and wisdom found within the walls of our libraries.

Appreciating and celebrating individual learning styles is a priority, and we seek to provide a rich collection of materials that reflects our community's cultural, social, and intellectual diversity. Through meaningful collaborations, we aim to bolster a comprehensive understanding of our curriculum, empowering students, parents, and educators alike on their educational journey. With this vision in mind, our libraries will continue to be empowering spaces that inspire lifelong learners and cultivate a thriving academic community, promoting an atmosphere of openness, respect, and appreciation for all.

The Research Process

The research process is a systematic journey undertaken to explore, gather, analyze, and interpret information on a particular topic or question. Proper formatting and citation style are crucial aspects of academic writing, ensuring integrity, credibility, and adherence to scholarly standards. This guideline outlines the steps involved in the research process and provides instructions for formatting and citation in accordance with MLA 9th edition style.

1. Topic Selection

   • Choose a topic that interests you and aligns with the requirements of your assignment or academic goals.
   • Ensure the topic is manageable in scope and has sufficient available resources for research.
   • Refine the topic into a clear and focused research question or thesis statement.
      

2. Literature Review

   • Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature related to your topic.
   • Utilize academic databases, scholarly journals, books, and reputable websites to gather relevant sources.
   • Take notes and critically evaluate each source, noting key findings, arguments, and methodologies.
      

3. Research Planning

   • Develop a research plan outlining the objectives, methodology, and timeline for your project.
   • Identify the type of research (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) and appropriate data collection techniques.
   • Consider ethical considerations and any potential biases in your research approach.
      

4. Data Collection

   • Collect data using appropriate methods such as surveys, interviews, experiments, or archival research.
   • Ensure data collection instruments are valid, reliable, and ethically sound.
   • Organize and analyze the data systematically, using statistical tools or qualitative analysis techniques as applicable.
      

5. Writing Process

   • Start with an outline to structure your paper, including introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
   • Write clearly and concisely, maintaining logical flow and coherence throughout the paper.

   • Incorporate evidence from your research to support your arguments and analysis.

Formatting and Citation Style

TASIS Portugal chose the Modern Language Association (MLA 9) citation and formatting style due to its clear and concise guidelines that are well-suited for a diverse range of academic disciplines. MLA 9 is renowned for its straightforward approach to referencing and in-text citation, making it accessible for students to learn and apply effectively. This style's emphasis on the simplicity and uniformity of citations helps maintain academic integrity by ensuring sources are accurately and consistently credited. Additionally, MLA 9's guidelines for formatting research papers, including rules for headings, margins, and the overall structure, promote a professional and organized presentation of student work. By adopting MLA 9, TASIS Portugal aligns with a widely recognized standard that supports students in developing strong research and writing skills essential for their academic and professional futures.

General guidelines

• Use 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.
• Double-space the entire document, including the Works Cited page.
• Use a legible font such as Times New Roman, size 12.
• Include a header on each page with your last name and page number, aligned to the right margin.
• Title your paper in title case, centered at the top of the first page.
• Follow the MLA format for in-text citations, including author-page style for parenthetical citations.
• Create a Works Cited page listing all sources cited in your paper, arranged alphabetically by the author's last name.
• Include core elements such as author, title of source, title of container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, and location.

Useful Resources for Citation

Zotero

Mendely

OWL Purdue

Columbia College - LibGuides

Libraries Hours:

Parents’ Special Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 15:00 to 17:00* (please note that there will be classes in the LS Learning Commons until 15:45 on these days) Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday A Friday B

Please note that there may be occasions when the libraries close earlier at the discretion of the librarians or administration. This could happen due to whole school events, such as staff meetings or other essential gatherings. We will always strive to inform the community in advance whenever possible to minimize any inconvenience.