Getting Started in Grad School: 4.3 Research Help and Support

An important first step in your research process is getting to know about the research and the emerging trends in your field.

Reflect on your current practices:

• Who do you talk to now to better understand your field?
• What do you already know about the trends and developments in your field?
• Are there any emerging topics or areas of research that you should be aware of?

Reaching out to your supervisor, faculty members in your college, and fellow graduate students can provide you with valuable information about emerging trends in your field, including the names of major scholars, methodologies, recommended readings, and conferences. Engaging with them, along with your liaison librarian, will help shape your research program and enhance your familiarity with your field.

As noted, getting a better handle on the research in your field is an important first step. In addition, you will likely be undertaking research for coursework outside your area of specialization, so developing a sense of the various research supports is crucial and will ultimately make your life easier.

At the end of this section, you should be able to locate research help and resources available at the University Library and beyond.