So the semester is in full swing and professors are maliciously handing out insane essay assignments. Well, maybe not maliciously, but there is nothing worse than that moment when you get the assignment and you think to yourself, “Where do I find information on THAT?!” Instead of panicking, hyperventilating, and/or going on a semi-psychotic rant, try stopping in at Murphy. Now, I can practically hear you thinking, “How is wondering around a giant library with no clear aim going to help me on my paper?” Before your write me off as a crazed nerd who’s entire world exists within the walls of such a place of knowledge, let me lay out a few options to help you find what you are looking for in life… or maybe just your assignment.
If you are not even sure what you are supposed to do:
Get all the information you can about the assignment. Talk to your professor for clarity on anything that’s vague. Bring all of the information to the Writing Center on the second floor of Murphy inside the Learning Center (Room 256). No stage of the writing process is too early or too late to seek help. Tutors at the Writing Center can help you find a place to start by evaluating the assignment with you and assisting you in finding an appropriate topic to write about. Stop in during the writing process as well to help make your paper as great as it can be. (Warning: do not think you can stop by and get your paper proofread. That is not what the Writing Center is for. They aim to make you a better writer and therefore will only help you to find your own mistakes.) Check out their website for more information. Making an appointment is recommended, but you might be able to get help on a drop-in basis if tutors are available.
If you know your topic, but don’t know where to find information: (You have a lot of great options at this point.)
1) Stop by the Reference desk! Located in the lobby directly in front of the entrance, the Reference desk is a great resource when you don’t know how to find the information you need. They are staffed by a librarian from 9am-5pm and 6pm-9pm Monday through Thursday, 11am-3pm on Friday, 1pm-4pm on Saturday, and 1pm-4pm and 6pm-9pm on Sunday. The librarian will help you find great resources in multiple different locations.
2) If you feel uncomfortable asking for help face-to-face, you can always email the Reference desk by clicking on the link on the left hand side of the Murphy homepage titled “Ask a Librarian” or click here. (You can also email the Reference desk by sending an email to refemail@uwlax.edu.)
3) Another way to talk to a librarian through the computer is to chat with the librarian at the reference desk. On the left hand column of the homepage, there is a link called “Chat with Librarian.” This opens a chat box where you can ask away.
4) If phones are your favorite mode of communication, you can call the reference desk at 608-785-8508 or toll-free at 800-881-4454.
5) Finally, if your project is too intricate for a simple question to solve your problems, you can schedule an individual consultation with a librarian. This will allow you to get more personalized assistance.
To all of you in the residence halls, don’t be afraid to contact your hall librarian with any questions. They are more than happy to help you. After all, it is their job! If you are unsure who your hall’s librarian is, click here and click on your hall’s tab at the top of the page.
Now go out and rock that paper!
The Murphy Explorer 