This document provides instructions for conducting library research and creating a search strategy in 11 steps: 1) select a topic, 2) write a thesis statement, 3) lookup the topic in encyclopedias, 4) create a list of keywords, 5) find magazines and newspapers, 6) find books, 7) find web pages, 8) document sources using MLA format, 9) evaluate sources for authority/credibility and content, 10) refine the topic if necessary, and 11) repeat steps 2-10 as needed. Examples are provided for each step when researching the topic of acid rain.