Library Instruction: Give Student Research a Boost

Last year, the library delivered 260 instruction sessions, tours, and workshops. Here’s what some faculty had to say about them:

“Students are surprised to learn how the databases improve their access to information, and this is revealed in the quality of the bibliographies they turn in.”

“Students have taken much more time and care in their research and have made better use of integrating it into their papers as a result.”

“Students have told me that they are no longer feeling intimidated about contacting a librarian for help.”

As you plan your syllabus, consider including library instruction if you require your students to do research. Library instruction covers such concepts as:

  • evaluating online information
  • developing search strategies
  • attributing sources
  • and other research- and information-related skills.

Traditionally, faculty have brought students to the library for a class period when they are beginning their research. This is just one way librarians can collaborate with faculty to help students become better researchers and users of information. Just let us know how you’d like to join forces to help your students become more information literate, by contacting Liz Galoozis, Coordinator of User Education.

To schedule a research instruction session, use our Library Instruction Request form, which now includes the option to upload an assignment and/or syllabus. (For details and policies, click on “Schedule a Research Instruction Session” on the library’s home page.)

And to learn more about library instruction and information literacy in general, visit our Information Literacy and Instruction research guide.

Reference Librarians: Your Secret Weapon

Are you working on a research paper or project? As the end of the semester looms, there’s a good chance you are. And if you want to get your work done faster and better, we have a suggestion for you: use the services of a reference librarian.  You don’t have to take our word for it – The Washington Post’s “Campus Overload” blog recently published an article on the reasons a reference librarian should be your best friend during finals season. A few of the reasons? Reference librarians are “Google experts”and “have access to information you didn’t know existed.”

To get the whole story, read the article on the Post‘s website. And visit the library’s Research Help page to see when and how the reference staff is available to help you with research.

You Write It, RefWorks Will Cite It!

Are you struggling with formatting your research papers?  Try RefWorks! RefWorks is a tool that creates bibliographies and formats research papers in the citation style of your choice (e.g. APA, MLA).  You can easily compile, edit and format bibliographies by importing references directly from the  library’s online databases – including ProQuest and EBSCO – or by entering them manually.

So what are you waiting for? Create your personal RefWorks Account and you’ll have access to it from anywhere in the world.

For information about creating your RefWorks account please visit our RefWorks research guide.  To get more help with RefWorks please take a look at the RefWorks quick online tutorial, enroll in one of Refwork’s complimentary training webinars, view a pre-recorded webinar session, or contact the Reference Desk.

“Help, I Just Need 3 Sources by Tomorrow!” Drop-in Research Help for Students

Do you have a paper or project due soon? This drop-in research help session is for you! Bring whatever you are working on to a reference librarian and get immediate expert assistance. You will walk away with the source or two (or three) that you need! (Of course, you can always contact a Reference Librarian to get immediate help – they are here 7 days a week).

Pre-registration is NOT required!  Drop-in to the library’s Research Instruction Center (RIC), during the scheduled times (the RIC is located on the lower level in room 11). We are holding six drop-in sessions during the week of November 16:

Monday, November 16:
2:00pm – 3:00pm
6:00pm – 7:00pm

Tuesday, November 17:
5:00pm – 6:00pm

Wednesday, November 18:
1:00pm – 2:00pm
5:00pm – 6:00pm

Thursday, November 19:
6:00pm – 7:00pm

Help Yourself! Library Research Guides Are Available Whenever & Wherever You Need Help

library research guides

Although the reference librarians encourage you to ask us for help with your research, we realize that there are times when this isn’t an option (late night, for example).   So, we have created a great collection of library research guides that you can consult if a librarian is not available.

These guides are designed to help you locate the best resources for your research.  Library research guides are available for a number of popular research topics and common questions, such as “how do a get information about a company?”, “what is a NAICS code and how do I find them?”, and “which databases should I use to get articles for my History paper?”.  In each guide we recommend specific books, journals, library databases and web sites.  The entire collection of library research guides is available at http://libguides.bentley.edu/.

This is an evolving collection – guides will continue to be added and updated.  If you’d like to suggest a topic for a library research guide please comment on this post.

H1N1 Information & Resources

Flu season is fast approaching.   Bentley University’s Center for Health & Wellness website is designated as the official site for  information on H1N1 influenza.  The Center for Health & Wellness site will provide the most up-to-date information about H1N1, as well as lists of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and other selected resources.

If you are interested in conducting further research about H1N1 – or influenza in general – please visit the Bentley Library’s H1N1 library research guide.  This research guide highlights librarian-recommended books, databases, and websites useful for researching H1N1 and related topics.

Reference Librarians Debut Online Library Research Guides

The Bentley Library reference librarians have created a new collection of library research guides that are designed to help you locate the best resources for your research! Research guides are available for a number of popular topics/subjects, as well as for specific classes.  In each guide we recommend specific books, journals, databases and web sites.  Where needed we also include step-by-step instructions.  The entire collection of library research guides is available at http://libguides.bentley.edu/.

This is an evolving collection – guides will continue to be added and updated.  If you’d like to suggest a topic for a library research guide please email refdesk@bentley.edu.

Bentley Librarians say…Chat With Us!

The Bentley Library is making it easier to ask us questions! Simply look for the “Chat With Us” box on our web pages (currently on our databases pages and our research help page).   Check for the message indicating that the Reference Desk is online, then enter your message.  You will automatically be connected with us – no need to create a user name or have an existing IM account of any kind.  How easy is that?

Did you catch us while we are “offline”?  No worries, if it is during normal hours you may reach us in person, email or phone.  Our research help page has all of those details!