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University of Texas University of Texas Libraries

UGS 302: Alma Matters - Prof. Reddick

Welcome

Answers to Exit Survey Questions

Thanks to those of you who were able to take the exit survey at the end of the library session. Here are the answers to the 2 follow up questions you all asked in that survey.

1. What to do if I struggle to get results for articles relating to what I need

There are a number of things you can do.

1. Ask a librarian - you can chat with us for on the spot help (www.lib.utexas.edu/ask) or reach out to me to meet or work over email.

2. Try changing your search terms. For example, if you are researching whether or not college athletes should be paid, here would be options

  • College Athletes OR student athletes AND
  • pay OR salary OR compensation

3. Try switching search tools. If you are in one database, switch to another (for example, switch from Academic Search Complete to the Libraries Search Box or Google Scholar which search across more sources).

2. How many different physical libraries are there? what are the hours?

Here is a list of the libraries on campus - https://www.lib.utexas.edu/about/locations - and one in Port Aransas. Some of them, like the Harry Ransom Center and Alexander Architectural Archive, are special collections where you register to use their unique materials. Most, though, are just open to walk in and study or browse the collections. They're all different so find the one you like best, ranging from Hogwarts (Life Science) to noisy (5th floor of PCL).

The hours are listed here - https://www.lib.utexas.edu/about/hours. PCL is open 24/7.

What is this library session all about?

We're here to get you started doing college-level research. Our learning goals for today's library session are for you to be able to:

1. Evaluate sources for credibility and usefulness as evidence for your research

2. Create a search strategy and find articles in the UT Libraries

3. Create a NoodleTools account to use for your annotated bibliography

4. Find help doing research, writing and presenting

Here are a few things you should know:

  • I am here to help you learn about college-level research. I understand learning doesn't work the same way for everyone, and that an hour isn't long enough to do more than get started. I want you to feel comfortable reaching out for help during and after the session, and confident about using this guide throughout the semester.
  • I do my best to foster an inclusive classroom environment to ensure that all of you are respected, safe and supported in your learning.

How Can a Librarian Help?

Librarians are available to help with every step of the research process. We are information professionals and love working with students to connect you with the information you need. We can help you:

  • choose a research topic or find a research question
  • broaden or narrow your topic
  • find sources, whether they are books, articles, maps, music, data, etc. We can help you do great searches using Libraries tools and search engines like Google. 
  • evaluate sources. Is it credible? Is it peer-reviewed? etc.
  • recommend tools for organizing your research and citations..

 

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Michele Ostrow
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