Research Specialists in Libraries: Key Figures for Your Academic Pursuits
In the bustling academic environment of Princeton University, students often find themselves lost in the labyrinth of research. But fear not, for help is at hand – in the form of the university's dedicated librarians.
These library professionals are more than just bookkeepers and shelf-stackers. They are subject specialists and library liaisons, offering expert support tailored to a wide range of disciplines, from music and dance to theatre and beyond.
Whether you're a first-year undergraduate seeking general research advice or a senior tackling an independent research project, Princeton's librarians are ready to assist you at any stage of the process. No problem is too big or too small for them to address.
The university's librarians are willing to meet with students and guide them through the research process, from finding relevant books and resources to accessing online data sets. For instance, Dr. Elana Broch, a population research librarian, recently helped a student with research on family planning services in rural Senegal. Similarly, David Hollander, Princeton's Law and Legal Studies Librarian, aided a student with legal research for their Senior Thesis.
The Princeton Library website is a treasure trove of information, offering a list of subject librarians by field. Students can easily find a librarian who specialises in their area of study and schedule a meeting.
But the assistance doesn't stop there. Library guides, often referred to as the research bible at Princeton, provide valuable guidance on finding resources and navigating the library system. These guides can save students a significant amount of time and effort in their research.
In addition to their traditional roles, Princeton's subject librarians actively engage in teaching support, specialized research consultation, digital scholarship facilitation, outreach, and collaboration with faculty to integrate library resources into the academic curriculum. They also collaborate with faculty to develop resources supporting class objectives, support students and faculty with research, archival management, and digital integration of collections, and offer guidance around records retention, preservation, reuse, and sharing of scholarly materials.
Moreover, they assist with curation of exhibitions and preparation of content related to university history or specific subjects for social media, websites, and public outreach.
So, the next time you find yourself lost in the library, don't hesitate to ask for help. Princeton's librarians are here to guide you on your scholarly journey.
This article, part of the "Junior Paper (JP)" series, was written by journalist Emma Kaeser. It serves as a reminder that the university's libraries are not just buildings filled with books, but vibrant hubs of intellectual exploration and support.
A junior student seeking guidance for a research project might find helpful resources in the form of one-on-one meetings with Princeton's subject librarians, which are tailored to various disciplines like music, dance, and theatre. Moreover, online education and self-development are readily available via the Princeton Library website, where students can find valuable learning materials, such as research bibles and specialized guides.
