Research tools
Getting started, writing, citing...
We have compiled useful tools for the writing and the presentation of a research paper.
Research tools
Want to unlock your research potential ?
The Library workshops will give you the tools you need to master your research project. For a practical approach of the place, its resources and research methods, but also from identifying your research needs to producing a bibliography and everything in between
Workshops are available on request, by appointment, for individual or group session. You may also suggest a customised workshop on a specific topic.
Need help with your bibliography, Style sheet, etc. ? Ask us !
Useful tools
Getting started
Infotrack, to begin with in a funny but serious way :
The information literacy training module of the University of Geneva library
Infosphère
Conceived by the University of Quebec at Montreal's library. This tutorial provides a detailed explanation of the complete steps and procedures involved in conducting a research project (preparing a research, searching for information, evaluating the information) and writing a paper.
Resources
Reference books and sites, bibliographies, collective catalogues, scientific publication platforms, scientific journals articles, encyclopaedias, theses : start your research here !
Check out the Research tools websites and Online databases pages, which bring together essential resources that can be accessed online.
Go to the Reference books page to find out about the most recent resources at your disposal !
Writing
CNSMDL Style sheet
The instructions for the formatting of your thesis are embedded in the style sheet. When writing your dissertation with the style sheet, the required formatting (font, format, pagination, etc.) will be applied directly.
Download Style sheet user guide (in French)
Download the 2020-2021 Word Style Sheet
Download the 2020-2021 LibreOffice Style Sheet
Need help ? Contact the liaison librarian : Nathalie Castinel
GDRM-Guide des difficultés de rédaction en musique
Launched in 2002, the GDRM answers a wide range of questions that may arise when writing in French about music : books, articles, research projects, concert programmes, booklets for CDs, etc. Conceived, edited and formatted by Marc-André Roberge, tenured musicology Professor at Laval University (Quebec City, Canada). In French.
Rousseau Font
This font was conceived by Dominique Montel, music engraver and developer of the Belioz engraving software, to fulfill a need of musicians, music teachers, musicologists who must write texts about music. Rousseau makes it possible to insert the main music symbols (keys, sharps, flats, quavers, etc.) without altering the line spacing of the text. This tool is freely downloadable.
Managing and citing references
Zotero
Zotero is a free and open source software that enables you to organize your research, create bibliographies and insert citations in your research papers. Easy to use, it connects with your web browser to download sources. Zotero allows you to attach PDFs and notes to your citations, organize them into collections for different projects.
Download, features, help : visit our Zotero page
Need help ? Contact the liaison librarian : Nathalie Castinel
APA Reference Style
Among the many existing citations styles, the CNSMDL opted to apply the APA citation style for citations and bibliographic references. Two very useful links below :
Reproducing and citing works and images
You may be surprised to learn that just because you have found something on the Internet or in a book you are not allowed to use it in a paper. Whether the image is copyright-free or not ( copyright permission is mandatory before using it), you are always under the obligation to acknowledge its source.