Writing assignments are a necessary evil of college. Whether it’s an essay for an English class or a scientific paper, every student will experience the struggle of hitting a roadblock during the writing process. That’s where research appointments with Clark Memorial Library librarians enter the picture.
Marla Beebe has been working since June 2016 as a research and instruction librarian at the Clark Memorial Library on campus. She explained that research appointments are one-on-one or small group meetings that can take place in person or online to discuss essays, projects and anything else that requires library resources or research. These appointments provide a range of helpful services and can be scheduled at any time during the project or essay. From not knowing where to start to getting over what Beebe calls “research roadblock,” the librarians can help start your research, focus your project or essay or narrow down your topics; all while teaching you how to use the library database and find the resources and materials you need to submit that perfect essay or group project.
An appointment can be scheduled through the Clark Memorial Library page. The link is available under the “Research Services” tab and takes you to a form to fill out. This form will ask for information such as your name, ID number, phone number and e-mail address. It will then ask about your research topic, types and number of resources you need, what class the project is for and when the project is due. Finally, you can schedule the appointment online or in-person and with a specific librarian, if you wish. Beebe noted that the best way to schedule an appointment is to provide librarians with a day and time range, such as Wednesday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. That way, you and the librarian can find the best time to meet.
Beebe wants everyone considering a research appointment to know that they are not bothering the librarians in the slightest when they ask for a research appointment.
“That’s what we’re here for,” Beebe explained. “That’s why we’re librarians.”
So, the next time you’re struggling with a paper or a research project, consider scheduling a research appointment with a librarian. They are eager to help and provide you not only with what you need, but also with the knowledge you need to continue your research later.
