Around this time, just after Spring Break, many students shift their focus to an end-of-term research or capstone paper that will be due in a few weeks. It can sometimes feel overwhelming trying to find strong sources, organize ideas, and meet assignment expectations.
Don’t worry!
ETSU’s Charles C. Sherrod Library offers resources and services designed to help make your research papers less stressful and more effective. Whether you are taking classes on campus or online, you can take full advantage of ETSU’s library resources with access to virtual research help and online consultations (available from anywhere!).
Self-Guided Research Resources & Tutorials
ETSU’s library offers many self-guided tools and resources including How-To Guides and Subject Guides.
How to Guides & Tutorials
These guides offer research assistance, including the very popular “Getting Started with Research” collection. This collection includes:
The Introduction to Academic Research guide has videos, tips, tools, and links to databases that walk you through aspects of the research process such as picking a topic and evaluating sources. Lydia Gwyn, Director of Student Success and Instruction, shared that the Introduction to Academic Research guide is a strong starting point for your research efforts.
“This is great for any student that's doing a research paper, and they don't know where to start,” Gwyn said. “It goes from the very beginning of your research steps to picking a topic, and all the way through things like doing background research, evaluating sources, as well as different types of sources you might encounter.”
Subject Guides
Subject Guides provide major-specific library resources, such as links to relevant databases and contact information for subject experts, called liaisons.
“They [subject guides] show everything we have for that major in one place. When you go to each page, you'll get to a landing page that gives you a little introduction, and it also tells you who you can contact for research help,” Gwyn said. “It also shows all the best databases to do research for their papers. And if you wanted to find where the books are in the library, it tells you the shelf ranges and what floor they're on.”
Most assets, such as research articles and even books, are also available online. If the library does not have the full text of the needed material, you can request it through an Interlibrary Loan (ILL), allowing you to choose how to receive it—pick it up at the library, get it by email, or (for books) have it mailed to you.
“They [subject guides] show everything we have for that major in one place. When you go to each page, you'll get to a landing page that gives you a little introduction, and it also tells you who you can contact for research help,” Gwyn said. “It also shows all the best databases to do research for their papers. And if you wanted to find where the books are in the library, it tells you the shelf ranges and what floor they're on.”
Most assets, such as research articles and even books, are also available online. If the library does not have the full text of the needed material, you can request it through an Interlibrary Loan (ILL), allowing you to choose how to receive it—pick it up at the library, get it by email, or (for books) have it mailed to you.
One-on-One Assistance
One-on-one support can supplement self-guided materials by offering you extra help, tips, and answers when you need them.
“Meeting one-on-one for research help, whether that's with a librarian or a library ambassador can help you untangle tricky topics, show you search strategies and research hacks you might not otherwise learn from a video tutorial,” Gwyn said. “It also gives you a chance to ask questions and receive personalized guidance that fits your specific research needs.”
Library Ambassadors
Library Ambassadors are trained students offering research help to other students. They can provide real-time assistance with defining research needs, searching for background information, and using online library resources. If currently enrolled, you can join a Zoom meeting online during the listed dates/times.
Research Help Appointments
Another option offered is scheduling a virtual meeting with an ETSU librarian. This is a great option for assistance with getting started, asking questions, and receiving individualized research support, whether it’s your first major paper or you just need a refresher.
Lending Technology & Personal Librarian Program
Through a collaboration with ETSU’s Information Technology Services, laptops and hotspots are available for students who may need them. This equipment is loaned for one semester at a time and must be returned at the end of each semester. Students in the lending program also gain access to Sherrod Library’s Personal Librarian Program. The assigned librarian supports student success by connecting them with resources ranging from technology support to academic tutoring.
Whether you are starting college for the first time, are a current student, or are returning to college after years away, anyone can feel uncertain about their writing and research abilities. ETSU’s Sherrod Library has many online options available to support you and help make your research paper a success from start to finish!
