How to Write Concept Briefing

A common assignment for college students is a concept brief.

In order to write a concept brief, a college student needs to examine a specific topic very closely. Below is an outline on how to write a concept brief.

• GOAL of a Concept Brief -
  • Research a specific concept using print and online resources.
  • Become acquainted with sources of library and information science literature. Describe the concept and its implications effectively in writing.
  • Use and cite bibliographic sources correctly. (APA style)
• FORMAT of a Concept Brief -
  • Be concise, clear, logical, insightful.
    Use a Concept Brief Template: formatting, structure and sections
  • Keep the Concept Brief Short: abstract - 200 words, main body - 750-1000 words
• Concept Brief STRUCTURE
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Definition (no page break)
  • Purpose and Implications
  • Examples
  • Conclusion
  • References (LAST page)

Individual Elements of a Concept Brief

• ABSTRACT--
  • 200 words maximum
  • Share major findings and make a succinct case for the research and results.
  • Present the critical findings of the research.
  • Don't repeat the detail or depth contained in the later sections of the report.
  • POINTS TO COVER IN ABSTRACT--
  • Briefing objectives and concept definition.
  • Summary of purpose and implications.
  • Summary of examples.
  • Closing comment or recommendation.
• INTRODUCTION--
  • Starts new page.
  • Brief intro to the concept
  • Identify 3-4 objectives for the briefing.
  • This STARTS the body of the page and continues through conclusion without page breaks.
  • Intro through conclusion should be 750-1000 words.
• DEFINITION--
  • Define the concept briefly
  • Enable the reader to understand the concept in the context of information organization.
  • Rely on professional or scholarly resources for definitions rather than on standard dictionaries.
• PURPOSE and IMPLICATIONS--
  • Expand on the definition given in the previous section.
  • Explain why this concept (topic) is important.
  • Discuss implications of the concept in organizing information.
  • Add subheadings to this section if it hlep clarify the points.
• EXAMPLES--
  • Provide a minimum of three examples to illustrate the concept.
  • When possible, create your own examples to demonstrate mastery of the concept.
  • If your examples come from an outside source, however, cite it!
  • Add a subheading to this section for each example.
  • Clearly communication is how these examples help explain and illustrate the concept.
• CONCLUSION--
  • Provide a brief conclusion summarizing your main points on the concept.
  • Add your own opinion, prediction, or recommendation related to any issues discussed above.
• REFERENCES--
  • Start a new page for References.
  • List only the sources cited in the paper.
  • Use APA (6th ed.) reference style.
  • Check references for accuracy and style.
  • Remember to use "hanging indent".