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M E 202: Professional Planning

This guide introduces students in ME 202 to finding and using library resources for mechanical engineering research, and how library research skills support their professional goals.

Your librarian

Did you know that each discipline taught at Iowa State has a librarian? It's true!

These librarians are experts at finding information in a particular field or subject area. We can save you time and money by helping with:

  • Choosing a database to search
  • Developing keywords or a search strategy
  • Obtaining paywalled articles
  • Citation management
  • Keeping your files organized
  • Troubleshooting problems with search tools

How to get the most out of working with your librarian

Talk to them! When you send an email or schedule an appointment, let them know what you're working on. Here are some things it will be helpful for them to know:

  • What your topic is
  • What class (if any) your project is for
  • What your project is - literature review, prior art search, design project, etc.
  • Any requirements you might have - number or type of sources, etc.
  • What (if anything) you have already tried - this will ensure they don't suggest something you've already tried
  • When your assignment or project is due

How to schedule an appointment with a librarian

Your librarian

Here's the step-by-step:

  1. Click the "Schedule Appointment" button on this page
  2. Use the drop down to pick in person or online for the meeting
  3. Choose the date you want to meet from the calendar
  4. Choose the time you want to meet from the list
  5. Fill out the form
  6. Click "Confirm Appointment"

The appointment scheduler will add you onto your librarian's schedule at the time you chose. You just need to show up!

Note: The appointment scheduler only lets you choose times the librarian is not busy. No need to send a bunch of emails to find out when they're available to help!

A different librarian

It's possible you'll want to meet with a librarian other than the one for your major at some point. For example, you might wish to meet with the English-specialist librarian if you are working on a research paper for an English class you're taking. To find out who that is and how to contact them, use the Library's "Find Your Librarian" page.

Librarians are organized by subject on this page, so find the subject you are interested in. You'll find the contact information for the librarian, plus a link to make an appointment. This will either prompt you to email the librarian or open up an appointment scheduler (in which case, follow the steps above).