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The Research Help series walks through research questions that we frequently receive from students. Each video is a short (2-4 minute) answer to one specific research-related question. If you have a research question you would like to submit for this series, please email [email protected].

What do I do when someone has already researched my topic? (3:22)

 

 

What do I do when I can't find any reliable information on my topic? (2:31)

Library Orientation

• Learn about the resources, spaces, and services available through the Spalding University Library
• 10-15 minutes

Academic Integrity

• An introduction to practicing and understanding academic integrity
• 25-30 minutes

Understanding the Research Process

• An introduction to college-level research and using library resources.
• 30-45 minutes

Evidence-Based Practice Research 

• This module supports the health science programs that use EBP models and critical appraisal.
• 30-45 minutes

Writing an Annotated Bibliography

• An introduction to writing annotated bibliographies for any discipline or level. 
• 10-15 minutes

Zotero tutorial

• Follow this step-by-step guide to download Zotero, set up an account, and learn to use the basic features of this free citation management software. 
• 15-20 minutes

Getting Started with APA Citation

• This tutorial serves as an introduction to citation according to APA formatting and style guidelines. The tutorial will cover the basic components of creating references and in-text citations for a variety of source types. 
• 15-20 minutes

 

Research Basics: a five-part series

 

1. Source Types & Information Needs

• An overview of source types that emerge in the information life cycle and how different source types can meet different information needs.
• 15-30 minutes

2. Keywords & Search Queries

• Hands-on practice in identifying searching language and developing appropriate search queries.
• 15-30 minutes

3. Database & Web Searching

• An overview of searching in popular web-based search engines and library databases for college-level research. 
• 30-45 minutes

4. Evaluating Online Sources

• An in-depth look at criteria used to evaluate the credibility and accuracy of popular and scholarly sources for a particular information need. 
• 30-45 minutes

5. Scholarly Sources & Peer Review

• An in-depth look at the peer-review editorial process and common elements of scholarly journal articles. 
• 15-30 minutes

Use a Spalding Library interactive tutorial as a graded assignment or for extra credit. 

Here's how it works: 

1. Copy the tutorial link into your syllabus or Canvas along with a brief explanation for students. 
2. If you are assigning a tutorial for a course and would like a report of submissions from your students, email the Instruction and Outreach Librarian with the course number, instructor name, and due date. 
3. Once the due date has passed, library staff will email the instructor a report of all tutorial submissions from their students. 

Don't see what you need? Do you have suggestions for other tutorials?

If you're interested in developing an interactive, online module for your course, indicate this component on the Request Library Instruction form, or contact the Instruction and Outreach Librarian. 

Tips for completing the Interactive Tutorials

• Complete the tutorial all in one sitting, as it will not save your progress once the browser is closed.
• It is recommended that you complete this tutorial on a laptop or desktop computer, as the two-panel set-up is not mobile-friendly. 
• You may be prompted to open a new webpage. Always make sure to open the link in a new tab or window.
• If you would like a receipt of your submission and a copy of your results, you can choose that option at the end of the tutorial.

For additional assistance, contact the library by email, phone, or chat.