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OTC Hamra Library Research Skills Workshop for Students

Ozarks Technical Community College’s Hamra Library is offering a Research Skills Workshop to help students navigate today’s complex information landscape and improve academic performance.

Dates: September 29-October 3 and October 8-10

  • In-person: Hamra Library, 12:00-1:00 PM
  • Online: Microsoft Teams, 6:00-7:00 PM
    • Email us at libraryref@otc.edu to receive the link for Teams

Skills Covered:

  • Research organization techniques
  • Database navigation and search strategies
  • Source evaluation methods
  • Effective use of library resources

The workshop uses educational modules from the Library’s Canvas Orientation Course to deliver targeted instruction that enhances student success across all disciplines.

Get Personalized Help from the Library!

It doesn’t matter which OTC location you take classes at, even if you are fully online, or enrolled in one of our many high school or professional development programs, we want to help you get the most out of your education at OTC. 

You can meet with a librarian in-person on the Springfield campus, or online through Microsoft Teams. We can help you develop your research project, learn how to effectively search for library resources, and we can even help you schedule appointments with other academic supports such as the Writing Center and Tutoring Center.

How do I get research help at the OTC Library?

We can help you with library research! The OTC library offers in-person and virtual one-on-one research assistance to students, faculty, and staff. In-person appointments are held in the OTC library on the Springfield campus, and virtual meetings are held via Microsoft Teams.

Fill out our form to request a One-on-One Research Help appointment with a library staff member.

Appointments must be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the earliest time and date requested in order to allow for scheduling.
Contact libraryref@otc.edu if you have any questions.

What will library staff help me with during my appointment?

During a research consultation, library staff will:

  • Demonstrate how to access physical and digital OTC library resources
  • Demonstrate how to recognize different types of resources
  • Demonstrate how to use special features built into databases
  • Demonstrate how to use the OTC library catalog and MOBIUS catalog
  • Refer you to the appropriate departments for additional academic help and services

Is there anything the library staff can't do for me?

During a research consultation, library staff will not:

  • Conduct research for you
  • Complete any part of the assignment for you
  • Write any part of a research paper or other kind of assignment
  • Provide in-depth feedback on grammatical or mechanical aspects of your writing

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

It is not necessary to bring anything to your research consultation, however, it is advisable to bring the following:

  • Information about your assignment or research project, including instructions and/or a rubric if applicable
  • A method for taking notes

What if I am late or I need to reschedule?

Appointments that do not arrive within 15 minutes of the start time of the scheduled appointment will be considered no-shows and the appointment will be canceled. If you will not be able to arrive at your original start time and you would like to keep your appointment, contact the library as soon as possible before the appointment to check if the appointment can be delayed. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact the library before the start of your appointment.

There is no penalty for canceling or rescheduling an appointment. We understand that there are many life circumstances and that appointments need to be rescheduled. The library is committed to supporting students as best as possible, however, rescheduling is contingent on library staffing.

One-on-One Research Help at OTC’s Hamra Library

Appointments are available in-person in the Hamra Library (IC100, Springfield Campus) or online using Microsoft Teams. Please fill out this form to request a One-on-One appointment with library staff. Questions can be sent to libraryref@otc.edu.