Getting started
Click here for how to find books, journal articles and more. Use a Research Guide to make getting started easy.

Need help?
Click here to Ask a Librarian. Research assistance is available by phone, email, or IM.

Get customized
research help
Click here for a list of Galvin Library research consultants and their subject specialties.

Need extra assistance?
The Academic Resource Center provides one-on-one and group help with coursework.

Get help with
writing assignments
The IIT Writing Center provides one-on-one help with writing assignments for both native and nonnative speakers of English.

Session Descriptions

Current list of library instruction sessions
All sessions are open to any IIT community member and do not require reservations.  See the Instruction Calendar for dates and times.

Galvin Basics
New to IIT or the Galvin Library? Haven't used the library in awhile? Come to this session to learn the basics of navigating Galvin Library and its resources. We’ll show you around the library, highlight the most important parts of the Library’s website, and show you how to get started on your research.
Essential for: Absolutely everyone!
Length: 45 minutes

Search Strategies 101
Learn how to create and execute the most efficient searches with Search Strategies 101. In this class you will learn how to find keywords for your topic, generate more keywords, and combine terms using Boolean Logic. End the frustration and time lost with inefficient searches!
Essential for: Students, Staff, and Faculty new to Galvin Library's databases
Length: 45 minutes

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Search Strategies
Already completed Search Strategies 101, and want to learn more? In this session you will learn further ways to expand on keywords, using the Thesaurus in a database, mining bibliographies for citations, and advanced Boolean searching.
Essential for: Skilled database searchers who want to enhance their searching abilities
Length: 45 minutes

Car or Automobile or Vehicle: Which Word is Correct? Mastering Controlled Vocabulary
Many professions have a standardized language when describing a term. Learn how to find out which term is the standard in a database, and how to find articles about that subject.
Essential for: Researchers in disciplines that use standardized language, such as business or engineering
Length: 45 minutes

My Professor Said I Need a Scholarly Article...
Ever had an assignment that required you to use ‘scholarly articles’? This session will tell you everything you need to know about finding, identifying, and evaluating scholarly articles. You’ll learn about what makes an article scholarly, what it means for an article to be peer reviewed, and where to find scholarly articles.
Essential for: Newcomers to finding scholarly and peer-reviewed journals
Length: 45 minutes

Evaluating Websites for Academic Research
We all know you can find almost anything on the internet, but is any of it acceptable to use in college-level research? Learn how to identify the components of a web site that determine if the site is appropriate and reputable. Find out when you shouldn’t use the internet to conduct research, and what resources to use instead. 
Essential for: Researchers that want to use internet resources as part of their findings
Length: 45 minutes

Research in the 21st Century
Take advantage of the latest research technology to work more efficiently. Learn how to stay on top of your research using RSS feeds, email alert services, citation management software, and other tools.
Essential for: People who want to stay current on their research topic in an organized and efficient manner
Length: 45 minutes