Top Ten Things I Wish I Knew My First Year
UW Libraries are so much more than study space and books! Students often tell us they wish they had known more about Libraries’ services at the start of their UW journey. So check out these tips and remember, we’re here to help–just ASK US!
1.Librarians (humans) can help you find things that Google can’t. Really! Also, Research Consultants, often peer-led, can save you a lot of time by offering guidance on how best to navigate the Libraries’ vast resources and services.
“I didn’t know that libraries and librarians are so resourceful and that it could be a good idea to have a chat with a librarian and go through library resources instead of struggling to find information on your own online. If I knew this earlier I would have made good use of it.” – undergrad survey response
2. You can create digital research projects! With the tools, support and resources from UW Libraries, you can turn your research paper or project into a dynamic, interactive experience by creating web-based projects like a podcast, online exhibit, interactive maps, data charts, and more. UW Libraries Digital Project Support
3. Connect Google Scholar with your UW Libraries account to see which results can be accessed through UW Libraries with a direct link to the resource in the catalog!
4. Students never need to pay for an article. UW Libraries provides access to thousands journals — online and through Interlibrary Loan.
5. Visit the Odegaard Writing and Research Center… before you start a project. They can help you get started and save time!
6. The UW Libraries Undergraduate Researcher Tutorial is definitely worth your time, even if you are not a new student!
7. Interlibrary Loan can deliver materials from almost any Library worldwide!
8. You can chat with a librarian 24/7 for help online (like at 2AM when you can’t find something!)
9. Beyond Books and Spaces – Take some time to get to know all the different types of resources available to you like Special Collections and UW archives, maps, global newspapers and e-news (YES, access to the New York Times), government documents, databases (PRO TIP: bookmark this page), help with data and publishing support (including copyright and citation guides)!
10. There are 15 UW Libraries including at UW Bothell, UW Tacoma and Friday Harbor Labs on San Juan Island! Learn about different types of study and collaboration spaces:
- You can reserve individual and group study spaces throughout the libraries.
- Quick Zoom? Check out the Zoom pods, available on a first-come basis in many libraries.
- Need to record? Check out the Recording and Audio Studios in Suzzallo’s Open Scholarship Commons and in Odegaard Library– free to use for all students, faculty, and staff of the University of Washington. Reservations on a first come, first serve basis.
BONUS TIP: The Libraries hosts free learning events on a wide range of topics each month as well as fun, community-oriented events for students and public exhibits. View the calendar.
To find out about Libraries events, Follow us and subscribe to weekly calendar alerts.
Related Resources:
UW Libraries Student Guide – a “one stop shop” of helpful links and resources
Preparing for Finals Week: Top 10 Tips for Success
7 Essential Tips for Research: Advice From a UW Librarian