MBA Student Research Guide

• Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with the University Library, the Business Librarian in particular. If you are returning to school after time in the working world, you may discover that the research process has changed and that you could use some individual guidance. Schedule time with the Business Librarian for a virtual tour and a quick overview of the library's business resources.

• Help you to navigate the library's print and online resources
• Answer questions about library policies, procedures, and services
• Assist with research by:
  • Clarifying research topics, brainstorming search terms, formulating effective search strategies
  • Identifying and evaluating information
  • Recommending library resources
• Help with managing citations

• Nope. Hopefully, you will feel comfortable enough to reach out for assistance if you need it.  I may also occasionally email you about library resources, workshops, or other services.  

• The only time we ever have to meet at all is if (or when) you schedule an appointment.  I can  usually provide research assistance via email or, sometimes, a phone call.  How we interact is totally up to you.

Virtual and In-person Office Hours

• Use the consultation request form (located on the Ask Us page) to schedule a research consultation with the librarian. You may reserve either a virtual or in-person appointment.
• Once a date and time has been established, the librarian will send you a meeting link/invitation for a virtual meeting or provide directions to her office.
• Consultations may be scheduled Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm. 

Be a Savvy Information Consumer

It may seem that there is just too much available information--both free stuff found on the Internet and library resources.  Some of it is easily accessible, sometimes not so much. But when you find good information, how do you know it's credible, that is, how do you know you can trust it?  

• Library resources are safe sources of information.  Databases include scholarly journal articles, newspapers, magazines, reports, and other formats, all of which have been evaluated by librarians or other information professionals.
• Information from the Internet, on the other hand, should be closely scrutinized before you use it.  

What to look for?  

Evaluating Information Found on the Web can help you evaluate sources. Consider these criteria:

• Currency - how old is the information? If it's too old, it may no longer be true or factual.
• Relevance - how important is the information for your needs? Does it really address your topic?
• Authority - where did the information come from? Did the author or creator include their credentials?
• Accuracy - how reliable, truthful, and correct is the information? Can you locate additional resources that confirm or support the information?
• Purpose - why does this information exist?  Is it to teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?

If you are uncertain about any of these criteria, feel free to contact the librarian.

From the Lutgert College of Business (LCOB) Writing Guidelines...

"In the workplace you are expected to write clearly and coherently.  The Lutgert College of Business faculty expect college-level writing on all assignments..."

Read this document to understand LCOB writing expectations and use it as a guide for your assignments. Pay special attention to the sample formats.