A free online tool you can use to check your writing style and get suggestions on how to improve your drafts. Even professional writers (including SUNY Oneonta faculty) use Grammarly. (link to Grammarly site)
Got a handle on the basics of citation? Level up your citation skills by learning how to use Zotero, a free open access tool that organizes your sources for you. Zotero's citation management software keeps a library of your research sources, citations, and (where available) PDF copies. Then, it can automatically add and update them in your research papers. Once you learn how, it can be a HUGE time saver.
This guide was created by a former Milne Librarian. In 2021, it was adapted by Jennifer Jensen with ideas from guides by Michelle Hendley, Heather Statler, and Sarah Rhodes. In 2022, it was further adapted by Lori Wienke for the purposes of the research and subject guide for CGP Museum Studies.
Installation image, Color and Comfort: Swedish Modern Design, 2019, at the Cleveland Museum of Art
This guide is designed to assist with resource (books, databases, journals, web resources) identification and/or access for graduate research in museum studies. Also included are general information on research practices and proper citation methods.
This library guide is designed to help you along each step of the research process as you prepare and write papers for your classes. For general research paper help, try this guide, too.
Each section of the guide connects with one step of the research process:
Pick a topic with ideas from library databases, journals, books, and more.
Find research sources by searching for reference items, articles, books, and other library resources to help you learn about your topic.
Organize your research, create on outline, begin writing, and cite your sources.
Review for grammar, spelling, and accuracy, confirm your citations, and revise as needed.
An important part of research is giving credit to scholars who informed your learning and writing. Plus, your reference list can act like a "how to" for other researchers to follow -- they can see what papers, articles, or other documents you used in your research to learn more about your topic. Finally, citing your research sources is essential to avoiding plagiarism.
The most-used citation styles are detailed in the handy guide linked below. However, you should use the citation style your instructor assigns in the course syllabus or class project or description. Many sub-fields have their own styles as dictated by their discipline's leading journal, for example. Citation is an important skill to learn, but it takes practice. Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Did you know that the Student Learning Center (SLC) offers graduate students writing-specific help? You can sign up for a writing consultation (one-time sessions focused on a specific assignment) by going to https://tracktion.oneonta.edu and choosing 'writing assistance' from the Student Services Menu. Sign in using your SUNY Oneonta login information.
If you have trouble with the SLC website, here are some tips:
The SLC runs workshops on a broad array of subjects to help students succeed. Check out the current workshop list and registration links here.