Join this 1-hour energizing workshop designed to transform how you use the Alvin Sherman Library. Faculty will learn how curated, subject-specific research guides provide quick access to expert-selected resources, helping you move efficiently beyond basic searches. This session demonstrates how to locate full-text PDFs in seconds, refine search strategies using librarian-tested keywords, and leverage thesauri and discipline-specific indexing tools to uncover high-quality, relevant literature—including hidden resources often missed. Participants will also explore video databases, datasets, and other powerful research tools that expand scholarly possibilities across disciplines. Whether launching a new research project or refining an existing one, this workshop offers practical strategies and insider tips to streamline your workflow, sharpen your research skills, and maximize the value of Alvin Sherman Library resources.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, faculty will:
1. Identify key library resources including library guides, databases, and specialized collections to support discipline-specific research.
2. Apply effective search strategies by selecting appropriate keywords, refining search queries, and using tools such as subject headings and DOIs to locate relevant materials.
3. Analyze reference connections and database linked citations to uncover additional relevant scholarship and broaden research pathways.
4. Evaluate when and how to incorporate supplementary materials—such as datasets, videos, and nontraditional sources—into a comprehensive research strategy.
Recorded on March 4, 2026
