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U unveils web-based help resource for researchers
Frederick Beecher
Research papers can be a headache. But a new interactive web page, called Research QuickStart, with roots in three areas of the University could be a cure.
QuickStart was designed to help undergraduates find information for papers and speeches. It allows students to choose their field of research from a list of academic disciplines and requires that students specify the type of information they seek, such as biographical, encyclopedic or academic information.
QuickStart uses these choices to generate a list of potential resources. This list of resources allows students to skip the time-consuming process of figuring out where to look.
When students use QuickStart over the web, they also have the option to use Research QuickStudy, a research tutorial. This tutorial walks students through the research process by having them answer a series of seven questions, ranging from the basic, "How do I choose a research topic," to the advanced , "How do I evaluate my information sources?"
"What we're trying to do here," said John Butler, a Research QuickStart project team member, "is to provide self-service in areas where students would previously have to consult a reference librarian."
Butler expects that QuickStart will also help faculty with course creation. The page will be part of the forthcoming Online Course Website Builder, which will allow faculty to customize QuickStart for their individual courses.
In the mean time, faculty are receiving QuickStart positively. "One of the testers. . . said that he wanted the URL right away so he could use it immediately in his course," Butler said. Butler added that, ". . .one of [the tester's] comments was that it was as if he had designed the tool himself."
QuickStart is the result of collaboration among the Digital Media Center, University Libraries and the Java and Web Services group.
Research QuickStart and its companion, Research QuickStudy, can be accessed at http://research.lib.umn.edu as well as from the University Libraries home page.
