Library Resources
Hi everyone! Thanks for checking out the library. We are here to help you with any question, but specifically, we are experts in finding and using information. If you are working on a research project and run into any issues or questions, we are here to help! Our homepage is a great place to get started on your research; we do know it can be a bit confusing at first, so please ask us as many questions as you want.
If you'd like some one-on-one help finding resources, click here to book an appointment. I'm happy to help!
Jenny Castel| jennifer.castel@jwu.edu |401-598-1121
Visit the JWU Writing Lab at either the Academic Success Center at Downcity or Harborside for fast and easy help with assignments. Whether you're just getting started or need final editing advice, peer-to-peer and professional writing coaches are super kind and trained to help you at any stage of the writing process. For in-person tutoring, help with accommodations for students living with disabilities, and study-skills workshops, contact the Center for Academic Support, via USucceed in jwulink, Academics tab.
Top Tips for Working with the Writing Lab:
- Walk-ins welcome; appointments strongly recommended.
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Sunday: 2:00 - 9:00 PM
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
- Book an appointment by phone: 401-598-1309
- Book an appointment online via USucceed: in jwulink, click Academic tab.
Did you know you can also submit your paper online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to Smarthinking for feedback within 24 -48 hours? It's FREE! Look for the link in jwulink, under the Academic tab, under Tutoring.
Wondering how to get started on your persuasive speech? No worries! Your first challenge is to choose an interesting topic, and then focus in on the most fascinating angle.
Pro-Tip: Start with Academic Search Complete
Use Academic Search to search for articles on specific angles for your persuasive speech. For example, if your topic is "Texting while Driving", use the search box to find popular or scholarly articles on "Texting while Driving", along with your angle, such as a "Texting Ban" or the role of "alcohol".
- Enter in your basic search terms, such as "Texting while Driving"
- Limit to Full Text, so you can read articles online
- Check News, Magazines or Scholarly/Peer Reviewed for academic articles
- Scroll down the first page of articles, and click on the most interesting one
- Click on one of the Subject Terms (they're hyperlinked) and see where it takes you!
Use Opposing Viewpoints to search for controversial articles on specific angles for your research paper. For example, if your topic is "Environmental Impact of Tourism", use the search box to find different points of view on Eco-Tourism. Looking at both sides of a topic makes whatever side you take even stronger, because you can argue a more balanced point of view.
Pro-Tip: Choose Browse Issues to choose from legit hundreds of topics.
Looking for credible statistics? Use Statista for fast, compelling statistics to cite in your paper. Statistics on 60,000 topics in just a click of a button!
- CQ Researcher Online This link opens in a new window
- In-depth reports and analysis on hot topic issues in the news
Looking for research on your Informative Speech? We can help!
This is a great place to start:
- Scholarly/ Peer Reviewed articles
- Trade Publications
- Magazines and News articles
- Company Information
- Statistics
Pro-Tip: Click Full Text on the left hand side so you can read everything online right away, and look for the Cite button to copy and paste citations (and save a ton of time!)
Reporting & analysis of issues in the news
Need research on controversial topics? This database is your friend. Support your point of view on a controversial issue with facts and statistics from primary and government documents, photos, and magazine & newspaper articles which have already argued your case.
Pro-Tip: Choose Browse Issues to choose from legit hundreds of topics.
Looking for statistics to quote, FAST? Check out this awesome database! Just toss in your search term, and you're good to go.
Did you know you can copy and paste citations if you use the library's databases?
1. Save time - look for the "Cite" Button or " " icon.
2. Scroll to the style you need (MLA, APA)
3. Copy and paste the full citation into your paper
4. double check your work.
Need help with in-text citations or more complicated citations? Use the OWL!
Check out the guide put together by the JWU librarians about citing sources in the MLA style:
