It’s nearing the end of the semester, and we bet you’re stressed. You can probably see the end in sight, but you need to use 5 peer-reviewed Journal Articles for your final paper, and you can’t remember how to find them! Earlier in the semester, maybe a librarian came to your class to show you how, but you can't remember where to start! How can you get help, now??
There are a lot of places you can begin, but for a good overview, we recommend you start with the Introduction to Research at the NEIU Library page. This page has a ton of information about what the library has, and how it’s organized. Spend some time reading the information on the page, and watching the videos. They provide a helpful introduction to using the NEIU Library.
Next, you’ll need to choose a database to search in. Databases are similar to search engines like Google or Yahoo, but instead of searching the information on the internet, many of them search through the information in academic journals. There are a ton of different databases that contain all sorts of different information so it can be a little confusing at first. Luckily, the NEIU Library put together instructions to Find Articles in 4 Easy Steps. When you follow these 4 simple steps, you’ll be able to easily find the 5 peer-reviewed journal articles you need for your assignment!
What do you do if you still have questions? We’ve made it easy to find help at the NEIU Library. Not only can you ask questions at any of our in-person reference desks (Main Campus, El Centro & CCICS) but you can also request a 1-on-1 research appointment with the librarian through our website. What if you have a question NOW that cannot wait? Use the chat feature on our website to get immediate help from an NEIU librarian, staff member, or student worker! You can even chat with us from your phone by texting (773) 442-2758!
Northeastern Illinois University librarians presented on intellectual freedom and inclusive librarianship at the 2019 Annual Illinois Library Association Conference this past October.
Ed Remus presented his experiences hosting library events featuring speakers with diverse perspectives on controversial topics at Chicago Public Libraries and at NEIU, noting the promises and pitfalls of such events. Two of the events organized by Ed, "Chicago's Minimum Wage: Which Way Forward" and "Political Realignment: Differing Perspectives" are available for viewing through the Chicago Access Network Television YouTube Channel.
Alyssa Vincent, Robin Harris, and Michelle Oh (pictured below) reflected on how NEIU librarians strive to be more inclusive, citing examples from working with individuals of different races, genders, and ability on issues ranging from providing directions to the bathroom to questioning authority in academic publishing.