Research doesn't have to be hard.
Do you have a research paper due? Not sure where to start? The SEAM can help.
The SEAM stands for Students Engage at Main.
We are your resource for research and learning.
Meet with one of our friendly staff members.
A 30-minute meeting can help you:

• locate reliable resources for research assignments;
• identify scholarly & popular sources;
• refine & revise your topic;
• search InfoHawk+, databases, and more.

Schedule an appointment with us today.
Go to lib.uiowa.edu/seam or drop in and talk with a SEAM staff member.
Come see us on the 2nd floor of the Main Library in room 2013.
The SEAM is here for you SUN-THURS 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM!

It's your library and we are here to help!

This guide contains links to resources and research tips that will be especially useful for research projects. Get started by exploring all the ways you can get help from your library below, and then use the tabs on the left side of the page to explore what you need to know. 

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to recognize when you may need help. Then, seek out that help! No need to be embarrassed! Everyone needs help from time to time, and if you start asking questions now, imagine how much easier life is going to be by the time you are getting ready to graduate! You have resources all around you, and that includes the human resources in the Libraries. Beyond this guide, you have many ways to get help from the University of Iowa Libraries. Don't hesitate to get in touch! 

You can: 

• Stop in to visit us in person at the Service Desk in the Main Library or any of the campus libraries
• Schedule a one-on-one research consultation with a librarian
• Use Subject Guides to find resources on a wide variety of subject areas, and the contact information for the librarian who works with that subject
• Use LibAnswers Frequently Asked Questions to find an answer

 Chat with us

 Email us @ lib-ref@uiowa.edu

 Call us @ 319-335-5299

 SMS us @ 319-313-2395

More contact options...

In addition, try looking at our 60 Second Tutorials for to-the-point video tutorials that give you just the info you need.

Information found on this guide has been gathered from many sources, including: 

• tutorials from NCSU Library
• lynda.com Information Literacy course (available to U of Iowa affiliates)
• tutorials created by U of Iowa Librarian, Dan Gall
• various pieces of other U of Iowa Librarians' Subject Guides

If you have comments, questions, or suggestions, please contact: 

cathy-cranston [AT] uiowa.edu

Watch this space for tips about how to get yourself into a research mindset. Searching skills can only take you so far when gathering information. You also need to stop and think about your frame of mind and your attitude as you do research. Start thinking about how you are thinking until it becomes second nature. 

Do you need some help with library research? Drop by or make an appointment The SEAM by clicking on the logo!  Located on the 1st Floor at the Just Ask Desk, we're open Sunday - Thursday, 5-9 p.m. We specialize in Rhetoric and ESL Writing class assignments.