The Henry Whittemore Library, located at Framingham State University, is a comprehensive resource for students, faculty, and staff. With a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and multimedia materials, the library provides an ideal environment for research and learning. This guide is designed to help users navigate the library's resources and services, making research easier and more efficient.
Getting Started with Research
Before starting a research project, it’s essential to understand the library’s layout and the various resources available. The Henry Whittemore Library is divided into several sections, including the circulation desk, reference area, and stacks. The library’s website provides an online catalog, which allows users to search for books, articles, and other materials. The catalog can be accessed from the library’s homepage, and users can search by keyword, title, author, or subject.
Database searching is another crucial aspect of research, and the library provides access to numerous databases, including JSTOR, EBSCO, and ProQuest. These databases contain a vast array of academic journals, articles, and eBooks, which can be searched using keywords, subjects, or authors. The library also offers interlibrary loan services, which allow users to borrow materials from other libraries if they are not available on campus.
Research Assistance
The Henry Whittemore Library offers various forms of research assistance to help users with their projects. The reference desk is staffed by librarians who can provide guidance on searching for resources, evaluating sources, and citing references. The library also offers one-on-one research consultations, which can be scheduled online or in person. These consultations provide users with personalized research assistance and help them develop a research plan.
In addition to individual consultations, the library offers research workshops and tutorials on various topics, including database searching, citation management, and research strategies. These workshops and tutorials are designed to help users develop their research skills and become more independent in their research endeavors.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Online Catalog | Search for books, articles, and other materials |
| Databases | Access to academic journals, articles, and eBooks |
| Interlibrary Loan | Borrow materials from other libraries |
| Reference Desk | Get research assistance from librarians |
| Research Consultations | One-on-one research assistance |
Evaluating Sources
Evaluating sources is a critical aspect of research, and the Henry Whittemore Library provides various resources to help users evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources. The library’s website offers guides on evaluating sources, which provide tips and strategies for evaluating different types of sources, including academic articles, websites, and social media.
Citation management tools, such as Zotero and EndNote, are also available to help users manage their sources and format their citations correctly. The library offers workshops and tutorials on using these tools, which can help users develop their citation management skills.
Technical Services
The Henry Whittemore Library provides various technical services to support research and learning. The library’s computer labs are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including computers, printers, and scanners. The library also offers wireless printing services, which allow users to print from their laptops or mobile devices.
In addition to computer labs and printing services, the library provides technical support for users who need help with hardware or software issues. The library’s technical support team can assist with troubleshooting and resolving technical problems, ensuring that users can focus on their research and learning.
- Computer Labs: Equipped with state-of-the-art technology
- Wireless Printing: Print from laptops or mobile devices
- Technical Support: Assistance with hardware or software issues
What is the best way to search for sources in the library's online catalog?
+The best way to search for sources in the library's online catalog is to use a combination of keywords, subjects, and authors. Users can also use the advanced search feature to narrow their search results by date, format, and language.
How do I get research assistance from a librarian?
+Users can get research assistance from a librarian by visiting the reference desk, scheduling a one-on-one research consultation, or attending a research workshop or tutorial. Librarians can provide guidance on searching for sources, evaluating sources, and citing references.
In conclusion, the Henry Whittemore Library is a comprehensive resource for research and learning, providing users with access to a vast collection of materials, research assistance, and technical services. By understanding the library’s resources and services, users can develop their research skills, evaluate sources effectively, and produce high-quality research projects.
