Librarian offers tips on writing research papers
By Nicholas Papini
Observer Contributor
One research librarian believes that one of the greatest mistakes students make in writing a research paper is not asking for help.
Ellen Pratt
Ellen Pratt, a distance education and outreach librarian, mentioned how the library has numerous resources available for students, but that many students do not use them.
“Reaching out for help is an underdeveloped skill in a lot of students,” said Pratt. When students are utilizing a database and not getting any results, they blame the database for the issue. They may even decide that the database is not a helpful tool. However, Pratt stressed that there are tools available to help them. Library assistants are one, but there are resources on the MWCC website, as well. The MOOC video tutorials contain numerous tips and tricks. There are also research guides on the website under the Start Your Research tab.
Pratt doesn’t feel that research is a straightforward process. Often, a person will loop back reading and searching for sources midway through their paper. She stressed that, no matter the circumstance, reading about the chosen topic is necessary. A person may know their topic well, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they know what questions should be asked about it. Likewise, open-mindedness and curiosity lead to better, more well-rounded papers. Most topics have multiple answers and knowing the counter argument to a stance is important.
Pratt noted that when searching for sources, “always evaluate for relevance and quality.”
Pratt said that she feels that the EBSCO is the ideal database available to students. EBSCO has more options, gives detailed citations, and contains more subject filters.
Pratt argued that Google and its variants produce biased results on account of it being primarily a marketing company; they place ad revenue over the academic integrity of their engine. Pratt doesn’t believe in bad sources, but that doesn’t mean that every source is ideal for a research paper.
According to Pratt, students typically set up appointments with her for help with both the research and writing portions of their paper. Many students who see her have no memory of writing a research paper. It may have been years since they’ve written one and they need a refresher. Pratt said that it’s important not to judge students who simply want help and she enjoys supporting them no matter their past writing experiences.
Pratt usually refers students to a writing tutor. She believes that writing tutors are good at going over the process without overwhelming students. They also address the need of each student and help manage the fear that some experience when contemplating research assignments.
Pratt is available for assistance by appointment at 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. She is on the Leominster campus from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Her email is e_pratt@mwcc.mass.edu.
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