Welcome to the Libraries!

Welcome to the University of Rhode Island! You will find the friendly librarians and staff at the URI Libraries to be an indispensable resource for your academic success. These pages will help you find your way around the Libraries in person and online, and help you research quickly and efficiently.

Not sure where to start? Feeling overwhelmed? Librarians are available to help with any stage in your research process! You can talk to us in person, reach out anonymously via live chat, or send us an email! 

How to Tackle a Research Assignment

So, you just got your assignment from your instructor and you don't know where to begin? Let's break it down:

• Set a timeline for yourself and stick to it. Give yourself time to review the research question, refine your topic, do your research, and write your paper.
• Read the instructor’s assignment description carefully. Be sure to answer every question s/he raises.
• Pick out keywords from the assignment description.
• Do a preliminary search for articles and books at the library using your keywords. Try the searching strategies we learned in our library session.
• Leave yourself plenty of time in case you need to order books from other schools.
• Refine your topic based what you learn by reading the sources you find.
• Search for more sources if necessary.
• Leave time to ask a librarian if you get stuck!

If you come to the library don't forget to bring:

• Your ID to the library—you’ll need it to make copies and to check out books, DVDs, and reserves.
• Paper and pen or pencil for jotting down notes, keywords, or call numbers.
• A USB/flash/jump/thumb drive to save your work off of the library computers.