Research

Research

Organized Research

Organized Research

We are now a few weeks into the semester – long enough to get comfortable with the trajectory and expectations of a class, but not far enough, in most cases, to feel pressure from a final paper or project.  More and more, though, students want to keep it that way. If you’re one of this new type of student, you may be doing some of your major research early, to reduce the demands on you at the end of the semester.  A little pre-research, or ‘presearch’, if you will.  And that’s great – that sort of dedication and forethought is commendable.  But how do you make sure the value of what you do now is maximized later?  If you forget … Continued
The End Has Come

The End Has Come

The end of the semester is upon us!  If you have last-minute research needs, we are here to assist. Perhaps an article you selected earlier in the semester doesn’t quite fit the way you thought it would, or you need one or two more sources to elucidate on some point.  Your Campus Library has many tools to assist you. These include on-site books and ebooks and full text articles in databases.  You may have special restrictions on the material you choose – for example, that it be peer reviewed (most databases can limit to solely this type of article), or that it be primary – that is, created by a participant in the event described.  Fortunately, a lot of primary … Continued
Under Construction

Under Construction

As construction continues apace in the library, the louder sounds of power tools accompany the more traditional whispers usually heard here.  Stacks of construction materials move in – steel and drywall and paint and glass and tiles.  Electricians and plumbers and painters handle their specialized tasks.  And as different as the fields of construction and libraries are, there are lessons we can learn from our builder colleagues. After all, this is the time of year that your research should be ‘under construction’, as well.  Now that we are over a third of the way through the semester, if you have not already done at least some of your final research by this point, you are falling behind.  Now, chances are … Continued
Your knowledge routine for 2019

Your knowledge routine for 2019

As tempting as it may be to “just google it” your Campus Library offers a vast array of reliable resources, and qualified human support, to help you be successful in your academic endeavors. No matter how long you have been a student, there is always new content and resources to discover. You can enhance your knowledge routine in 2019 by visiting the Library, in person or online! In person, we are here for you with assistance to find books, articles and more – just connect with Matt, KT, Beth or Frances. The Library also houses the Center for Service-Learning, so if you’re interested in serving our community, Ann is the person to see. Online, we offer virtual reference service…simply click … Continued
Nearing the Finish Line

Nearing the Finish Line

A semester can seem like a marathon, but we’re in the final stretch of it now.  With final exams upon us, many papers and projects are coming due.  Most students have probably completed the majority of their research by this point, and may only need one or two extra articles or books to cite.  But even if you haven’t got that far, all hope is not lost. The first step is to focus on what you know.  Pick a topic that you already know a lot about, even if it doesn’t excite you.  This will reduce the amount of exploratory time you need to spend getting up to speed, and as you evaluate claims authors make, it will be invaluable … Continued