The University of Minnesota (U of M) library is a vast resource for students, faculty, and staff, offering a wide range of materials, services, and expertise to support academic success. However, navigating the library's many resources and services can be overwhelming, especially during peak research periods. In this article, we will provide 12+ tips for stress-free research at the U of M library, covering topics such as finding materials, managing citations, and getting help when you need it.
Getting Started with Research
Before diving into your research, it’s essential to understand the U of M library’s layout and the various resources available. The library’s website is a great place to start, with tools like the library catalog and database listings to help you find the materials you need. Additionally, the library offers a variety of research guides and tutorials to help you get started with your research.
Finding Materials
One of the most significant challenges of research is finding the materials you need. The U of M library offers a variety of tools to help you locate books, articles, and other resources. The library catalog is a great place to start, allowing you to search for materials by title, author, or subject. You can also use the database listings to find articles and other resources on your topic. For example, the library’s Summon discovery layer allows you to search across multiple databases and catalogs simultaneously.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Library Catalog | Search for books, journals, and other materials |
| Database Listings | Find articles, conference proceedings, and other resources |
| Summon | Search across multiple databases and catalogs simultaneously |
Managing Citations and References
Proper citation and referencing are essential components of academic research. The U of M library offers a variety of tools to help you manage your citations and references, including citation management software like Zotero and EndNote. These tools allow you to organize your sources, format your citations, and create bibliographies with ease.
Getting Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. The U of M library offers a variety of research assistance services, including one-on-one consultations with librarians and online chat support. You can also use the library’s FAQ to find answers to common research questions. For example, the library’s Ask a Librarian service allows you to chat with a librarian in real-time, getting help with your research questions and concerns.
- Research assistance: one-on-one consultations with librarians
- Online chat support: get help with your research questions in real-time
- FAQ: find answers to common research questions
Additional Tips for Stress-Free Research
In addition to the tips mentioned above, here are a few more strategies for stress-free research at the U of M library:
- Start your research early: don't wait until the last minute to begin your research
- Break your research into smaller tasks: divide your research into manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed
- Use the library's study spaces: the library offers a variety of study spaces, including quiet areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces
- Take breaks: research can be mentally taxing, so be sure to take breaks and give your mind a rest
What is the best way to find articles on my topic?
+The best way to find articles on your topic is to use the library’s database listings or Summon discovery layer. These tools allow you to search across multiple databases and catalogs simultaneously, finding relevant articles and other resources on your topic.
How do I get help with my research?
+There are several ways to get help with your research at the U of M library. You can use the library’s research assistance services, including one-on-one consultations with librarians and online chat support. You can also use the library’s FAQ to find answers to common research questions.
What is the library’s policy on food and drink?
+The U of M library allows food and drink in most areas, but there are some restrictions. For example, food and drink are not allowed in certain study areas or near sensitive equipment. Be sure to check the library’s food and drink policy before consuming anything in the library.
