Use the videos, text, and links on this page to help you learn new research skills, whether focused on using the Library's databases or understanding and performing scientific research more effectively.
If you have any questions about the Library's resources or about research, please feel free to contact the Science, Mathematics and Engineering Librarian and/or use the "Ask a Librarian" chat service.
In less than 5 minutes, learn how to:
This video refers to "Libguides" - these are now called "Research Guides"!
Check out this infographic on "How to Read a Scientific Paper," by Natalia Rodriguez, from Research4Life (2015). Here are some key takeaways:
"Research papers follow the well-known IMRD format — an abstract followed by the
They have multiple cross references and tables as well as supplementary material, such as data sets, lab protocols and gene sequences. All those characteristics can make them dense and complex. Being able to effectively understanding them is a matter of practice."
"Reading a scientific paper should not be done in a linear way (from beginning to end); instead, it should be done strategically and with a critical mindset, questioning your understanding and the findings. Sometimes you will have to go backwards and forwards, take notes and have multiples tabs opened in your browser."
This short video from North Carolina State University Libraries explains how the peer review process works and how an article is published in an academic journal.
This guide provides a quick introduction on accessing, searching, and opening articles using the database Science Direct. Use the options below to either download a copy using Microsoft Word or open the document on Google Docs.
In 3 minutes, learn what Natural Science Collection is, how to find it, perform a basic search, and save or cite your results.
The 2 minute video below reviews how abstracts can be used in your research and how to find them in OneSearch.
Contact the Science, Mathematics and Engineering liaison librarian: Amy.Scheelke@slcc.edu. You may also schedule a 30-minute library consultation with Amy.