Research Specialists in Libraries: indispensable figures you should recognize
In the vast world of academic research, navigating through the labyrinth of information resources can be a daunting task for students. But fear not, for Princeton University's subject librarians are here to help!
These hidden gems of Princeton's academic resources serve as experts in specific academic disciplines, offering tailored research assistance, instruction, and collection development support to students and faculty. Whether you're studying philosophy, religion, astrophysics, or global health and international development, there's a subject librarian ready to guide you along your research journey.
Subject librarians, like Dr. Elana Broch, the population research librarian, possess sophisticated knowledge of their subject areas and information science. They assist with finding, selecting, organizing, and using scholarly resources. They often provide research instruction, including workshops on citations, search techniques, and the use of electronic research tools.
When you find yourself lost in the library, you can save valuable time by asking a librarian for help instead of struggling to find resources on your own. Librarians are willing to meet with students at any stage of the research process, whether it's for one-on-one consultations, virtual and in-person reference support, or workshops designed to improve information literacy and academic success.
For Princeton students, locating the subject librarian aligned with their academic discipline is easy. Simply visit Princeton's library website or research guides to find a list of subject librarians by field. First and second-year undergraduate students can even reach out to a personal librarian for general research advice.
For instance, David Hollander, Princeton's Law and Legal Studies Librarian, provided guidance on legal research for a student's thesis. Individual courses with a strong emphasis on research are often assigned a subject librarian for guidance, ensuring students have the necessary resources to excel in their studies.
Moreover, the Princeton Library website also offers a guide called "Library Guides" and the lesser-known "Princeton Underground" for those seeking extra resources. So, the next time you find yourself lost in the library, remember that Princeton's subject librarians are here to help you navigate the vast world of scholarly resources, thereby playing a critical role in the success of your academic research projects.
- A first-year undergraduate student can benefit from the guidance of a personal librarian, who can offer general research advice and help navigate the labyrinth of information resources, aiding in the student's education-and-self-development.
- In the journey towards completing a senior thesis or junior paper, seeking assistance from subject librarians can be immensely helpful, as these experts provide support in locating scholarly resources and improving information literacy through online-education workshops, contributing to the success of the research projects.
