Learn about the Research Process and available Resources

Who?

All PA students have personal and curricular information needs.  Maybe you are trying to plan a post-graduation trip to Southeast Asia, or are interested in purchasing a good used car.  Or maybe you are working on a formal research paper for a PA class.  No matter what your information need, finding, evaluating, and using information efficiently and effectively requires using a process.

What?

The research process that the PA Instructional Librarians recommend includes four main steps, with many associated tasks.  It is described in this web site, under RESEARCH.   Librarians are available at the Help Desk to introduce you to the process or help you with a specific step.

When?

An Instructional Librarian is available at the Help Desk whenever the library is open. 

Where?

The Main Help Desk is located just to the right at the campus-side entrance to the library.  Another Help desk is located in the Garver Room, and is staffed in the evenings.

Why?

Why not?  The librarians are information experts.  Using Google on your own can be inefficient and ineffective.  Speaking with a librarian to make sure that you understand the research process and are aware of available resources is guaranteed to save you time and produce better results.

How?

Contact any member of the Instructional Team by email, voicemail, text, or chat to set up an appointment.  Or just walk over to the Help Desk and introduce yourself to the librarian on duty.  Do it today! 

You can also use this handy Planning Assignments tool to create a game plan for your research.  The tool will create a schedule for you, and can even send you email reminders.