This document provides an introduction to the FIU Libraries and offers guidance for students on using library resources effectively. It outlines services and support offered by the libraries, such as answering questions, suggesting relevant databases and research strategies. It emphasizes that while some resources are available online, not everything can be found online and students should not rely solely on online sources. The document encourages students to plan research ahead of time rather than waiting until the last minute, and to consider the perspective and background of authors when evaluating sources.

1. Introduction to theFIU LibrariesDouglas HastyFirst Year Experience Librariandouglas.hasty@fiu.eduOffice: 305-348-2459GoogleVoice: 919-701-BOOK (2665)

2. Going to the Library can bea Virtual Experience. library.fiu.edu/AskUs.aspx

3. Going to the Library can bea Personal Experience.Send Directions and Contact Information to Your Phone Green Library, MMC Hubert Library, BBC

4. Some of the ToolsYou’ll Need for Your Job*Laptop / Computer / Smart Phone / other devicesTextbooks and Required Readings (print or electronic)Time Management SkillsExcellent Study HabitsPatience & Stress ManagementFocusing on the Task and Reducing DistractionsEnthusiasm and Commitment* Your “job” is being a student

5. Sooner or Later,You Will Need the LibraryWe Can Support You by:Answering questions, providing guidanceSuggesting relevant databases and sourcesOffering research strategies for successTeaching ways to evaluate reliability of sourcesProviding online resourcesProviding a building with meeting and study spaces in a modern, comfortable environment

6. Be Ready to ExploreThe FIU Libraries have a wealth of information, and sometimes they are located in different areas and on different floors.

7. You may need to walk about the library to locate materials.

8. Please don’t let the location of an item detract you from getting it. Usually, it is work the walk.Not really – “Everything’s online” is an urban taleMany? – yesMore in the future? – absolutely Everything? – unlikely in the near futureThe media may have led you to believe that this is true. Don’t believe everything you read, see on TV, or search online. Alwaysverify.Many materials are already available online – some for many years, but not all – and they won’t be online before you graduate.Don’t be tempted to use online sources just because they are quick and easy.Everything’s Online

9. Offer objective adviceHelp you understand how the library worksHelp you understand how research worksListenConfidentialityHave your best interests in mindWe’ve been there too (we were freshmen once)How Does the Library Support You?

10. Waiting to the last minute to begin an assignment or research limits success, adds stress, and may result in reckless actions. Plan ahead. Research done well should be a good thinking activity, not an activity by impulse or done on the spur-of-the-moment. Successful research means more than clicking on a link. Being a good researcher means that you read critically, ask questions, select or discard, and move on to the next source. There will be lots of sources you discard, but the ones you keep will be worth the effort.I Need It Now

11. Sometimes you start out doing one search and wind up doing an entirely different search. Don’t be surprised if this happens – this is the challenge and joy of research. Starting in one direction may lead you to another outcome. When this happens you may have found a better way to write your paper.The Perfect Source

12. When you read articles and books, you should consider the background of the author. Are they a sociologist? Scientist? Politician? Historian? Mathematician? Their background, interests, and point-of-view affects their research and conclusions. This only natural, only human. Just be aware of their perspective when you decide to use their material or not.Whose Dog is in the Fight?

13. Using the right words is important, especially in research. Start with a two to four key words that you think may get the best results. But remember to have a Plan B – a backup plan - if these words don’t get you the search results you were expecting.It is What You Say