The Willingboro Library, located in Burlington County, New Jersey, offers a wealth of resources and services to support the research needs of its community. Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply a curious individual, the library provides a vast array of materials, tools, and expert assistance to help you achieve your research goals. In this article, we'll explore 10 tips for making the most of the Willingboro Library's resources and services to enhance your research experience.
Getting Familiar with the Library’s Collections
To begin your research journey, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the Willingboro Library’s diverse collections. The library boasts an extensive range of materials, including books, journals, newspapers, databases, and digital resources. Interlibrary loan services are also available, allowing you to access materials from other libraries if they’re not available locally. By exploring the library’s online catalog and consulting with librarians, you can efficiently identify relevant resources for your research.
Navigating the Library’s Digital Resources
The Willingboro Library provides access to a multitude of digital resources, including e-books, online articles, and databases. To maximize your research potential, it’s crucial to understand how to navigate these digital resources effectively. The library offers workshops, tutorials, and one-on-one assistance to help you develop the skills needed to locate and utilize digital materials. By mastering the library’s digital resources, you can expand your research capabilities and stay up-to-date with the latest information in your field.
Some of the notable digital resources available at the Willingboro Library include:
- Online databases, such as JSTOR and ProQuest, which provide access to a vast array of academic journals and articles
- E-book collections, including OverDrive and Axis 360, which offer a wide range of digital books and audiobooks
- Research guides and tutorials, which provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the library's resources and conduct effective research
Utilizing Research Assistance and Support
The Willingboro Library's staff is committed to providing expert research assistance and support to help you achieve your goals. Librarians are available to offer guidance on research techniques, help you locate relevant resources, and provide feedback on your research. Additionally, the library offers research workshops and one-on-one consultations to help you develop your research skills and address specific research challenges.
Organizing and Managing Your Research
Effective research requires careful organization and management of your materials and sources. The Willingboro Library provides access to tools and resources to help you stay organized, including citation management software like Zotero and Mendeley. By using these tools, you can efficiently manage your sources, format your citations, and create bibliographies. Librarians are also available to offer guidance on how to use these tools and provide tips on maintaining a well-organized research workflow.
| Research Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Zotero | A free, open-source citation management software that allows you to collect, organize, and cite your sources |
| Mendeley | A citation management tool that enables you to organize your sources, collaborate with others, and discover new research |
Additional Tips for Successful Research
To further enhance your research experience at the Willingboro Library, consider the following tips:
- Develop a research plan: Before beginning your research, take the time to define your research question, identify relevant sources, and outline your research strategy.
- Use a variety of sources: Don’t rely on a single source or type of source. Instead, consult a range of materials, including books, articles, and primary sources, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your topic.
- Evaluate your sources critically: Not all sources are created equal. Be sure to evaluate the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of each source to ensure that you’re using the most reliable information available.
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The Willingboro Library is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The library is closed on Sundays and major holidays.
Can I access the library’s digital resources from home?
+Yes, the Willingboro Library offers remote access to many of its digital resources, including e-books, online articles, and databases. To access these resources from home, simply visit the library’s website and log in with your library card number and PIN.
How can I get help with my research?
+The Willingboro Library offers a range of research assistance services, including one-on-one consultations, research workshops, and online tutorials. You can also contact the library’s reference desk via phone, email, or chat to ask a question or request help with your research.
