Atlantic Provinces Library Association 2021 Conference

With the abrupt transition to online learning in Fall 2020 and Winter 2021, the Robertson Library recognized a need to provide students with accessible and flexible options for research assistance that did not rely on real-time services such as virtual chat or in-person consultations. Inspired by Portland State University’s open-source Library DIY Guide, we replaced our previous writing help page with a new, more robust online tutorial for conceptualizing, researching, and writing a research paper. Robertson Library’s ‘Start Your Research Paper Here’ guide is aimed specifically at first-year undergraduate students or any student new to writing a university-level paper.  It presents common research questions phrased simply and accessibly. The questions are designed to mirror the type of language used by students during research consultations and service desk interactions. With the creation of this guide, we hope to help alleviate research and writing anxiety by providing students with an easy-to-use alternative to real-time virtual or in-person reference services. This presentation will focus on the process of implementing the guide and report on its reception by the campus community.