Created for embedded classes

1. Why use library resources?
And not just because your professor said so

2. Library Databases v. Internet

3. Why should I use research guides?
 Save time and stress (stress isn’t good for your health or genes)
 They’re written by experts
 Librarians either have advanced degrees or coursework in their assigned subject areas, but most
importantly:
 They’re EXPERT researchers!!!
 Get answers to typical research questions
 Find answers by information resource type
Find research guides listed here: http://shsulibraryguides.org/

4. I have access to big books. Don’t make me use
them by telling me libraries are obsolete.
 Not everything is available online
 Digital libraries aren’t available on the general internet
 Internet research isn’t always free
 You might find the citation, but to view the article you’ll have to ante up. School is expensive enough already!
 The internet isn’t our enemy or even a frenemy. We work together.
 Librarians are expert researchers & know how to use the tools at hand.
 Soylent Green is people! I mean, libraries are people!
 The most valuable resource at hand is the librarian. Did I mention we’re research experts and expert researchers?
 Ever hear of the tipping point?
 “The highly social nature of the web makes it highly susceptible to sensationalized, low-quality information with the sole
merit of being popular. Libraries, in contrast, provide quality control in the form of a stopgap.” (Columbia.edu)

5. Who are you to tell me all this?
 Michelle Martinez
 Librarian for 10 years
 M.A. & M.S.
 Continued training, coursework, and seminars on a variety of topics too boring for you to wade
through
 I’m a freaking evil genius cleverly disguised as a librarian.
 I’ve been where you are, I know how tough and boring research can be, but it doesn’t have to be if
you love your topic or at least get focused and don’t procrastinate! Take the help being offered by
librarians and your faculty. We’re not here for the multi-millions. We’re here because we love what
we do—helping you and sharing our knowledge on subjects we love.