Week 2: Using the Library

DIRECTIONS: There are two parts to this assignment.

 The first part requires you to use the MSU Library's website (http://www.lib.msu.edu/) to
build your navigation skills and gather information.
 The second part requires you to physically go to the MSU Main Library and use the
information you previously gathered to find resources and orient yourselves to the library's
services.

PART 1: USING THE LIBRARY WEBSITE

 Go to the MSU Library home page: http://www.lib.msu.edu/ and locate the "Undergraduate
Page" link. Check out the different things that you can do from this page.
 Find the "Primary Sources" page under "Research Help." Browse through that information.
What are primary sources? What is helpful to learn about here?
 Find the "Research Guides" page under "Research Help." What information is available on
this page? What can you find here that is useful to you? (Hint: Check out "GETTING
STARTED: A Set of Basic Guides").
 Find the "Research Basics Modules" page (you will have to do some searching, but the
page is there). Complete all of the featured modules. Make note of anything helpful you
learned.

To help with Projects #1 & #2: With your newfound skills, complete the following tasks:
 Find at least two books that you believe might relate to your research question. If you're
struggling with that, find some books that relate to your major or future career. Make sure
they are relatively recent (published in the last 5-10 years). Write their titles and call
numbers down. Make note of the resource you used to find this information.
 Find at least two scholarly, trade, or professional journal articles that you believe might
relate to your research question. If you're struggling with that, find articles that relate to your
major or future career. Download the full-text of these articles. If you can't, find out where
you can access the articles. Make sure they are recent (published in the last 5-10 years).
Make note of the resources you used to find this information.
 Find one other alternate media resource in the library that seems interesting to you such as
a video, an audio recording, etc. Write down its location information.

Good-to-know info: Be able to answer these questions for future reference. Don't forget to
write down HOW you found this information out for future reference!
 What are the different ways to contact MSU Librarians?
 What are the library hours during the semester? During breaks? During the summer?
 How many books can you check out as an undergraduate? How long can you check them
out? Can you renew your books online?
 Where would you go to find course reserves? How long can you check out a book that is on
course reserve?

PART 2: VISITING THE MSU MAIN LIBRARY

To Help with Projects #1 & #2: When you get to the library, grab a directory (they're printed on
green paper). Then do the following:
 Check those call numbers you wrote down for the books you looked up online. Locate those
books in the library stacks. If you can't find them, ask a librarian to help you. Peruse the
books and see if they really are going to be helpful to you. Either way, browse the stacks in

wra 110.744: writing science & technology j.platt * msu * fall 2010 1
 the section you are in to see if anything looks interesting/helpful/cool. Feel free to check out
any books.
 Go to the periodicals section of the library and locate the recent physical copies of
scholarly/professional/trade journals. See if you can find the journal(s) you located in Part 1.
Keep browsing the journals in this section to see what else you can find.
 Find out where you can access the non-print media source you searched for in Part 1.

Good-to-know info: Be able to answer these questions for future reference. Don't forget to
write down HOW you found this information out!
 Are there study rooms for undergraduates in the library? If so, where are they located? Do
you have to reserve them?
 Are there areas of the library where you must study quietly? Are there areas where you can
study more socially with friends? Which areas are those?
 Is there a photocopy machine in the library? Find at least one and write down where it is
located.
 Can you print homework assignments and research papers off at the library? If so,
where would you go to do it, and what do you need to do in order to print?
 Can you check out a laptop at the library? Is so, how long would you be able to use it?
 Name TWO book drop locations.
 What are the late fees for a book that is overdue, a book that has been recalled by the
library, and a book that is lost?
 What do you do if you check out a book and it is damaged?
 What do you do if you lose a library book?
 Where are newly released books located in the library? Can you check them out? Can
they be renewed? Where did you find this information?

While I will not be collecting your notes on this library investigation, there may be a
quiz...

wra 110.744: writing science & technology j.platt * msu * fall 2010 2