Research Assistance | Library Help and FAQ
What study areas are available in the Library?
The library has both individual study spaces and areas for group work and collaboration. For individual study, the best places are the Reading Room and study carrels available on the 2nd floor of the library. Group studying is best accomplished in the six Group Study Rooms on the 2nd floor, or the Library Classroom, Information Commons, the Curriculum Materials Collection, and Coffee Shop on the main floor. The library has a noise policy to help remind patrons about what types of studying are appropriate in different parts of the building.
Are there any group study areas in the Library?
Yes! There are currently six group study rooms on the 2nd floor of the library. Group study rooms operate on a first come, first served basis. Group study rooms are equipped with white boards. There are also several collaborative computer workstations in the Information Commons for groups that need to share a computer. Groups can also use the Library's Classroom if a class is not in session.
I am having trouble finding articles/books for my research paper. Where can I get some help?
The library has put together a list of subject specific Research Guides for most of the majors on campus. These guides are designed to help students at the beginning of a research project. They list general reference resources, recommended databases and specific academic journals available in the library for each field. For more specific information on your topic, please stop by the Information Commons for research assistance or contact your librarian.
Does the Library have any examples of how to cite sources?
Yes! The library has examples of four commonly used citation styles on our website— please see our online Citation Help guides. The library also has multiple copies of the most popular citation style manuals for you to consult. We also recommend using Zotero, which is an online citation management tool.
My professor keeps warning us against plagiarizing. How do I avoid this?
One of the most important reasons to cite your sources is to avoid plagiarism. Citing your sources is a standard academic practice that helps your reader find the resources you used to write your paper. It provides evidence to support your work and improves your credibility. Different majors/disciplines have different citation styles that they require. Your instructor should let you know which style is required for your course or project. The library has examples of four commonly used citation styles on our website. Please see our online Citation Help guides.
Librarians & library staff are here to help you with your citation questions, or you can check out one of the citation style manuals that the library has, or look up some basic citation examples here on our website. You can also use Zotero to store your citations and help you create your bibliography.
Can a librarian talk to my class about materials and sources that would be useful for a particular assignment?
Yes! We call them information literacy sessions and they are taught by your subject librarian. Each session is tailored to fit the informational needs of your class specifically. For more information on setting up a session, please contact your MyLibrarian. Additionally, unless you have arranged for a session with a librarian in the classroom, you cannot simply reserve the classroom for your class to use.
Please also read our Classroom policies and check the classroom schedule/hours for availability.
What is the MyLibrarian program?
Every subject area has been assigned a specific subject librarian be an advocate for student and faculty needs within the library. Any requests for new materials, ideas or requests for information literacy sessions or questions regarding library policies may be directed to your MyLibrarian.
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