Empoword

Part Three: Research and Argumentation 308 It’s also possible that your library offers research support that you can access remotely: many colleges and universities provide librarian support via phone, text, instant message/chat, or e- mail. Some libraries even make video tutorials and do-it-yourself research tips and tricks. The first step in learning how your library will support you is to investigate their website. Although I can’t provide specific instruction for the use of your library website—they are all slightly different—I encourage you to spend ten minutes familiarizing yourself with the site, considering the following questions especially: • Does the site have an FAQ, student support, Librarian Chat, or DIY link in case you have questions? • Does the site have an integrated search bar (i.e., a search engine that allows you to search some or all databases and the library catalogue simultaneously)? • How do you access the “advanced search” function of the library’s search bar? • Does your account have an eShelf or reading list to save sources you find? • Is your library a member of a resource sharing network, like ILLiad or SUMMIT? How do you request a source through this network? • Does your library subscribe to multimedia or digital resource services, like video streaming or eBook libraries? • Does the site offer any citation management support software, like Mendeley or Zotero? (You can find links to these tools in the Additional Recommended Resources appendix.) Depending on where you’re learning, your school will provide different access to scholarly articles, books, and other media.