• scientific method, exploring what is known  (ex: magnets)
  
• reflective practice, reflective practitioner literature: think about what is working and what's not and experiment with strategies
  
• action research (problem --> strategy --> measure --> repeat)
  
• I-Search (getting down to a question; information sources beyond the typical)
• Consider reading about any of these areas that you're not familiar with.
  

• You have your interest area identified.
  
• Think deeply about the problem itself.  Discuss it. Identify its territory, components, characteristics.
• Talk to a person who has experienced this problem, or relive the experience of interviewing that person.
• Use empathy to put yourself in the place of the person with the problem. (Easy if it's you!)
  
• Do some preliminary reading  (think I-Search again, no note-taking); this will help you identify topic components.
• Example:  multiple floor media center (inspired by one of your interviews)(angles include: disabled or injured patrons; ADA law; material shifting; fundraising; and probably others)
  

• questions appropriate for collecting data are usually sharpened versions of what you'll do in this class
• will evolve a bit as your reading progresses, and perhaps even more as methodology develops (next semester)
  

• unlikely that focus forms in a linear fashion
• Kuhlthau (2004) found anxiety at this stage; you do have a lot at stake
  
• have a brainstorming session with colleagues toidentify related topics (I often get ideas this way)
  
• make a concept map
  
• brainstorm possible sources of information; not necessarily limited to peer-reviewed articles (make sure to consider the credibility of each source - a topic for later)
• If you have a "trial balloon" idea - don't hesitate to float it by me for assurance or guidance.
  

Reference
Kuhlthau, C.C. (2004). Seeking meaning: A process approach to library and information services (2^nd ed.). Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited.