Schedule Research Appointments Online
Students can easily schedule one-on-one research appointments with our knowledgeable librarians. These sessions are designed to give your students the personalized support they need to excel in their research projects. Each appointment lasts for a convenient 25-minutes, which means they can get the guidance they need without taking up too much class time.
You can schedule a research appointment directly from this link or from the SFCC Library Homepage.
Flexible Appointment Options
We understand that schedules can be a bit hectic, so we've made it easy for students to access this service. They can choose between in-person appointments in the morning or Zoom appointments in the afternoon, Monday through Thursday, from 8 am to 4 pm, and Fridays from 8 am to 3 pm. This flexibility ensures that students can receive the help they need when it's most convenient for them.
Ready-Made Research Appointment Assignments
We know you're busy, and we want to make integrating this service into your courses as effortless as possible. SFCC librarians have created pre-made research appointment assignments that you can simply copy and paste into your syllabus or course materials. It's an easy way to introduce your students to this valuable resource.
Calling All Faculty-Specific Assignments
If you have specific research assignments lined up for the quarter, don't hesitate to share them with us! Let our librarians know about your upcoming assignments, and they'll be ready to assist your students with their research needs. Feel free to inform your students that they can schedule appointments to get expert help with your assignments.
Book-a-Librarian: Topic Development
Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to provide students with an opportunity to delve into the research process while emphasizing the significance of collaborating with a librarian. Effective research skills and information literacy are essential for academic and professional success. In this assignment, students will not only gain experience in selecting and refining a research topic but also learn to leverage the expertise of a librarian to enhance their research outcomes.
The approximate time needed to complete this assignment is 1 ½ - 2 hours.
Tasks
1. Schedule a Research Appointment & Collaborate with a Librarian
Research is not a solitary endeavor. To maximize the effectiveness of your research, you will collaborate with a librarian. Librarians are skilled information professionals who can guide you in refining your topic and creating a research question. Schedule an in-person or online meeting, with a librarian to discuss your research topic.
Be Prepared
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Watch this 9-minute video (bit.ly/sfccresearchvideo) about the research process before your research appointment and be prepared to ask questions and seek assistance.
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Schedule a research appointment with a SFCC Librarian at bit.ly/SFCCLibraryResearchAppt.Please note, appointments are 25 minutes long, in-person and zoom options are available M-TH from 8 am – 4 pm and Friday 8 am – 3pm.
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All appointments need to be scheduled at least 8 hours in advance.
2. Selecting an Assignment Topic and Creating a Research Question
For this assignment you need to choose a research topic that aligns with the course assignment, be prepared to explore the topic with a librarian, and start the process of creating a research question. The topic should be broad enough to allow for meaningful exploration but focused enough to facilitate the necessary research. Brainstorm ideas, consider your personal interests, and consult the course materials to identify potential research areas. Remember that a well-defined research question will be the foundation of your successful research journey.
Be Prepared
You do not need to have a definitive research topic prepared for the research appointment but come prepared with one or two general ideas and your assignment description.
Criteria for Success
3. Create a Well-Defined Research Topic
Your chosen research topic should be clearly articulated and aligned with the assignment. It should reflect a balance between breadth and depth, enabling you to explore the topic comprehensively within the assignment's scope.
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By the end of the research appointment, you will have the tools and/or focus to narrow your topic down to a research question that is specific, meaningful, and researchable. The creation of a research question can require many iterations and research. Therefore, the goal for the research appointment is that you have the tools and understanding to take part in this process and have one tentative research question that you are in the process of drafting.
4. Write a Reflection & Summit it to Your Instructor
You should demonstrate that you have reached out to a librarian via a research appointment and engaged in a meaningful discussion about your research topic. This interaction should be documented and include a brief reflection on the insights gained from the appointment.
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Write a half page summary that discusses your experience collaborating with a librarian. Describe what you learned, any insights you gained about developing a research topic, and the draft of the research question you are currently developing.
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If you meet in-person, include the signed form and sticker from your appointment or if you meet via a Zoom consultation, include a screenshot of the Zoom meeting.
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Submit the reflective paragraph and proof of meeting attendance as outlined by your instructor.
Engaging in this assignment will equip you with essential research skills and reinforce the importance of seeking expert assistance when navigating the vast landscape of information resources. By working closely with a librarian, you will not only enhance the quality of your research but also develop a valuable partnership that can support your academic pursuits beyond this assignment.
Book-a-Librarian: Search Terms & Source Selection
Purpose
This assignment's purpose is to develop your research skills by learning to effectively work with a librarian and strategically search across various search interfaces, either online or within library databases. Research is a crucial skill in academia and beyond, and being able to craft precise search terms and navigate different information sources is essential for successful inquiry. By mastering these skills, you will enhance your ability to locate accurate and relevant information and construct well-informed arguments.
The approximate time needed to complete this assignment is 1 ½ - 2 hours.
Tasks
1. Schedule a Research Appointment & Collaborate with a Librarian
Schedule and attend an in-person or online research appointment, with a SFCC librarian. During this meeting, you will discuss your research topic, objectives, and any specific requirements. The librarian will offer insights into various search strategies and resources available through both online and/or library databases.
Be Prepared
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Watch this 9- minute video (bit.ly/sfccresearchvideo) about the research process before your research appointment and be prepared to ask questions and seek assistance.
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Schedule a research appointment with a SFCC Librarian at bit.ly/SFCCLibraryResearchAppt. Please note, appointments are 25 minutes long, in-person and zoom options are available M-TH from 8 am – 4 pm and Friday 8 am – 4 pm.
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All appointments need to be scheduled at least 8 hours in advance.
2. Develop Search Terms and Explore Appropriate Sources
For this research appointment you should come with an already selected research question/topic, your course research assignment, and be prepared to explore search terms and discuss search strategy.
Possible Search Strategies for Discussion:
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Determine Search Terms: Creating a list of relevant search terms or keywords to utilize in the best search interfaces (Google, Library Databases, etc.). Think about synonyms, related terms, and variations that could capture several aspects of your topic. This skill is crucial for generating comprehensive search results.
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Determine the Best Search Interfaces: Explore the most suitable search interfaces for your research. This might include online search engines, academic databases, library catalogs, and specialized repositories. Consider the strengths and limitations of each interface for your specific information needs.
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Execute Strategic Searches: Using the search terms/keywords you developed, conduct searches across the chosen interfaces. Pay attention to the search operators, filters, and advanced search features available. Retrieve a range of sources that address different dimensions of your research question.
Be Prepared
You do not need to come to the research appointment with preselected sources. However, come prepared with a list of 5-10 keywords related to your research topic and be prepared to search multiple online sources with the librarian during the appointment.
Criteria for Success
3. Create a Strategic Search Plan
To successfully complete this assignment, you will have to meet with a librarian either in-person or online through a research appointment. During the appointment you will discuss search terms related to your class research assignment and selecting appropriate search strategies.
4. Write a Reflection & Summit it to Your Instructor
You should demonstrate your completion of the research appointment by writing a half-page reflective summary discussing it. This interaction should be documented and include a description of what you learned and any insights you gained about search term creation, strategies for selecting specific search interfaces (Google, library databases, etc.) that align with your research needs, or how to navigate those various search interfaces.
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If you met in-person, include the signed form and sticker from your appointment, or if you met via a Zoom appointment, include a screenshot of the Zoom meeting.
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Submit the reflective summary and proof of meeting attendance as outlined by your instructor.
By completing this assignment, you will enhance your research skills and gain valuable insights into the collaborative process of working with information professionals. These skills will serve you well in your academic journey and in any situation where accurate and well-researched information is crucial.
Book-a-Librarian: Evaluating Source Credibility and Relevancy
Purpose
This assignment enhances your research skills by focusing on the critical aspects of source evaluation and relevance determination. In conducting research, it is essential to locate sources and determine their credibility and suitability for your specific information needs. This assignment will help you become a more discerning and critical researcher, capable of identifying appropriate sources that align with your research questions and assignment requirements.
You will also recognize the value of collaborating with a librarian. Librarians possess expertise in information retrieval and can guide you selecting appropriate search strategies and accessing specialized resources. This collaboration not only enhances the quality of your research but also teaches you how to leverage expert assistance effectively.
The approximate time needed to complete this assignment is 1 ½ - 2 hours.
Tasks
1. Schedule a Research Appointment & Collaborate with a Librarian
As part of the assignment, you are required to schedule and attend a meeting with a librarian. The librarian will provide guidance on effective source evaluation, determining the credibility and relevance of your source to your research topic and assignment. This step is crucial for improving your research skills and ensuring that you are utilizing the most relevant sources for your assignment.
Be Prepared
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Watch this 9-minute video (bit.ly/sfccresearchvideo) about the research process before your research appointment and be prepared to ask questions and seek assistance.
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Schedule a research appointment with a SFCC Librarian at bit.ly/SFCCLibraryResearchAppt. Please note that appointments are 25 minutes long, and in person and zoom options are available M-Th from 8 am – 4 pm and Friday 8 am – 3 pm.
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All appointments need to be scheduled at least 8 hours in advance.
2. Evaluate Sources and Explore Their Relevancy to Your Topic
For this assignment, you must bring one or two sources you have already located for your upcoming class research assignment. These sources should relate to your research question and the overall topic of your research assignment.
Be Prepared
Be prepared to discuss and assess each source with the librarian during the research appointment.
During this discussion, you will need to critically assess the credibility of each source. Consider factors such as authority, currency, source type, and purpose. Furthermore, discussion will explore how well each source meets your specific research question and assignment requirements. Are they relevant and suitable sources for your work?
Criteria for Success
3. Complete a Final Evaluation of Your Sources
To successfully complete this assignment, you will have scheduled and attended a meeting with a librarian, either in-person or online, to gain insights into effective source evaluation techniques and receive guidance on refining your research approach.
4. Write a Reflection & Summit it to Your Instructor
You will demonstrate that you have reached out to a librarian via a research appointment and engaged in a meaningful discussion about your research by writing a half page reflective summary that discusses your appointment. Suggested elements to highlight in your summary include a description of your chosen sources, highlighting their credibility, and their relevance to your research question and assignment. You could also discuss what you have learned about evaluating source credibility and relevance and any changes you have made to your research approach based on the discussion.
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If you met in-person, include the signed form and sticker from your appointment, or if you met via a Zoom appointment, include a screenshot of the Zoom meeting.
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Submit the reflective summary and proof of meeting attendance as outlined by your instructor.
This assignment aims to enhance your research skills by critically evaluating the credibility and relevance of your sources, seeking guidance from a librarian, and reflecting on your learning, you will be better equipped to undertake successful research projects and make informed decisions about source selection.