Sometimes you know exactly what you don't know, and other times you don't.

For example, if the last time you did a research paper Bart Simpson was a new face on Fox, you may be wondering where libraries are hiding their microfiche machines.

Here's the only thing you absolutely need to know: when you have a paper to write and it requires research, you can turn to Sandy Hawes, Saint Leo's online services librarian, who is totally dedicated to students enrolled in online degree programs.

Here are some reasons from Hawes why you might want to do that.

  1. You are a new online student and would like an overview of library services.

  2. Your professor told you that your topic is too broad and you need to narrow your focus.

  3. You were up until 2 a.m. searching the library site for resources with no success.

  4. You have no idea what a Lib Guide is but another student told you they're really helpful.

  5. Your professor said your paper must be written in APA style (or MLA or ASA or Chicago/Turabian) and you don't know what that means.

  6. You're scared stiff that you will inadvertently commit plagiarism and get thrown out of school.

  7. You need tips on how to paraphrase effectively.

  8. You'd like to streamline your research process with digital tools you could be using from the library but need help trying them out for the first time.

  9. You are a visual learner and would benefit from a screen-sharing session with Hawes to guide you.

  10. You would like Hawes to provide you with a recording of a demonstration of a particular skill or resource to review at your own pace.

  11. You prefer working with a librarian who shares your experience as an adult learner taking an online/distance learning program.

  12. You want to receive quick answers on the fly using text/SMS.

  13. You want to have a "personal" librarian with whom you can develop a working relationship term after term as you build your research skills step by step.

Reach Sandy Hawes at sandra.hawes@saintleo.edu or at (352) 558-8262.

Hawes is typically available to answer student questions Sunday through Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m. If you need help at other times, Saint Leo's reference librarians are available seven days a week: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Other posts you may be interested in reading:

Saint Leo Librarian Dedicated To Online Students

Achieving Success Online | Research & Writing Services

10 New Year's Resolutions For Online Students

Student Success Tips: Editing Your Paper In 10 Steps

30 Embarrassing Grammar Gaffes You Must Avoid And Why

Image Credits: Rachel Vacek on Flickr Creative Commons