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Information for Summer Program Students

Planning to come to the library to research? Help make your visit a successful one by reading this first:

Library Basics
Who can help mee?
24/7 Access to databases
Study spaces
Laptops in the Library
Email, Word and Flash drives
Printing and Photocopying

The Research Process:

What basic information should I know about the libraries?

  • The University of Maryland Libraries are rich in print, online, and nonprint resources, as well as in U.S. government documents and a variety of special collections. These materials are housed in seven libraries on the College Park campus, as well as one located in Rockville, MD:

Art Library
Houses collections in art, art history, history, archaeology, studio arts, including photography and graphic design.

Architecture Library
Houses collections in architecture, urban studies & planning, historic preservation.

Chemistry Library
Houses collections in chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, enzymology, immunology, microbiology, & molecular genetics.

Engineering and Physical Sciences Library
Houses collections for biomedical engineering, physics, mathematics, civil, chemical & environmental engineering, physical sciences, electrical & computer engineering.

Hornbake Library
Houses the Maryland Room, University Archives and many special and rare collections.

McKeldin Library
Houses collections in the life sciences, humanities, social sciences. The life sciences collection is divided between McKeldin Library and the Chemistry (White Memorial) Library.

Performing Arts Library
Houses collections in music, theatre, & dance materials, as well as some special collections.

Shady Grove Library (Located in Rockville, MD)
Houses collections to supports the Universities at Shady Grove (USG)


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Who can help me?

  • Research can be challenging. Library staff are available to help you find what you need. Come to any campus library for help in-person or online: www.lib.umd.edu/help.html

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Wow, 24/7 access to databases!

  • The Libraries' online resources are available 24/7. Find articles using one of the Libraries 300 databases, by going to the Libraries' homepage: www.lib.umd.edu, click Research Port then choose a subject area.

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Study spaces

  • In McKeldin Library, Group Study Rooms (that accommodate about 10 people) are available on the 2nd floor. All campus libraries offer many quiet individual study areas throughout each building.

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Can I use my laptop in the library?

  • Yes. Bring your laptop to the library, plug it in and go! Wireless access to the campus' Internet connection is limited to those students who have been issued a UM I.D. card. Log on to the network using your Directory ID and Password. Need help? Contact the Office of Information Technology at 301-405-1500.

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Email? Word? Flash drives?

  • Library computers come with Microsoft Office installed on them, which means you can use Word, PowerPoint and Excel, as well as get access to the Web to check your e-mail. We advise that you carry a flash drive with you since you cannot store you work on library computers.

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Printing and Photocopying?

  • The price is 10 cents a page. If you were issued a U.M. ID Card, you can add money to it and use it to print & copy library materials. Or, purchase a Visitor's Card in any library and use it to print & copy too!

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The Research Process

Step 1 - Get Organized

Know the Assignment

  • Understand the requirements and goals of the assignment.
  • Unsure? Ask your instructor for clarification so you don't waste valuable time
  • From time to time, review the requirements of the assignment and make sure you are on track.

Plan Ahead

  • Get real. Researching and writing a good paper takes time and planning.
  • Start early to avoid stress
  • Do not be surprised if your research takes longer than you think or takes unexpected twists and turns.

Take Clear and Accurate Notes

  • From the start, keep accurate notes of where you are finding information.
  • When you find a good source, record the citation: Author, Title, Publisher, Place & Date of Publication.
  • Before handing in your paper, you will need to have accurately and completely cited all sources used.

Step 2 - Choose a Topic

  • Choose a topic that fits the assignment and that interests you.
  • Don't choose a topic so recent or narrow that little information is available.
  • Don't choose a topic so broad that the amount of information available is overwhelming.
  • If you not sure if your topic fits the assignment, ask your instructor.

Step 3 - Use the Libraries' Resources: www.lib.umd.edu

Step 4 - Identifying Keywords

What is your research topic about? Here's a sample thesis topic:

  • Is using hybrid cars a realistic way to reduce our dependence on oil?

What are the key words that make up this statement?

  • hybrid cars
  • reduce
  • oil

Sometimes, you need to use more than 3 key words to find information on your topic. Think about what other words could be used to describe your topic. Use combinations of these words to find information.

electric cars limit gasoline
hybrid vehicles lessen diesel
hydrogen automobiles stop petroleum

Step 5 - Search the Catalog to find books: catalog.umd.edu

Step 6 - Search Research Port to find articles: researchport.umd.edu

Step 7 - Cite Your Sources

Avoid inadvertently plagiarizing by doing this:

  • Take complete & accurate notes about where you are finding information.
  • Write down the full citation for each source used. Or, keep track by emailing articles to your account.
  • Use quotation marks when using an author's exact words.
  • Forget how to cite, or don't know how? Use: www.lib.umd.edu/guides/style_manuals.html
 
 

© 2006 University Libraries. University of Maryland. College Park, MD 20742-7011, (301) 405-0800
Last modified: June 13, 2008

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