Many students first encounter the library when it's time to write a paper.
In a large research library such as MSEL, this can be an overwhelming experience. It may be difficult to understand where to start when you come into the library to begin gathering information or even to select a topic. This document is designed to help students, especially new students, learn what those resources are, and at what point in their work they may wish to consult them. Research methods and procedures vary from discipline to discipline. In order to become a polished scholar, it is necessary to become familiar with the research methods that are particular to a given discipline.