Library Guide: New Swarthmore Students

• Set up your laptop to print to the library printers  (Printing is free!)
   
  • For more tech help, check out the ITS New Student page.​
     
• ​Find textbooks on reserve for your classes
   
  • The Libraries provide access to many textbooks and assigned class readings.
    • Sometimes you'll find online access through Tripod.
    • Other times, there's a physical copy set aside for your class at one of the libraries (McCabe, Cornell, and Underhill).
    • You can borrow print reserve books for a few hours at a time.
       
  • How to find course books:
    • If you know the title of the book, you can search for it in Tripod. This will tell you which library has the book and whether it's available now.
    • You can also use the Course Reserves search in Tripod to explore books on reserve by academic department, program, or course. Example: Environmental Studies

   BEFORE YOUR FIRST RESEARCH PAPER

• Get to know your subject librarian
   
  • There's a librarian for every subject taught at Swarthmore.
  • Your subject librarian can help you navigate textbooks, find resources, and learn how to become a better researcher. 
  • Subject librarians work with students all the time, so don't be shy! If you're not sure who to contact, you can reach the team at librarian@swarthmore.edu and one of us will write back.
    
    
• Meet a RIA (a peer Research & Information Associate).
   
• Look at TriCo Libraries Research Guides.
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  • Research Guides are created by librarians to help you identify resources and get started with papers and projects.
  • Guides highlight research tools (databases, search engines) for different subject areas and courses
     

   WHILE WORKING ON AN ASSIGNMENT

• Format your citations and bibliography correctly
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  • TriCo Libraries Citation Guide
  • Guide to using Zotero (create your personal research library
  • Librarians can help you with citations as well (email librarian@swarthmore.edu or use chat in Tripod)

 BEFORE FALL BREAK

• Check out a book to read for fun!
   
  • Look at our Summer Reading guide to see what Swarthmore students and faculty have been reading!
  • Explore the Popular Reading Room on McCabe's main level. This room contains a selection of recent novels and popular non-fiction books. (also magazines and board games!)
  • Visit McCabe's Comics & Zine collection on the 2nd Level.
  • How do I borrow a book from the libraries? How long can I keep it? See our frequently asked questions about borrowing library materials.
    
    
• Learn how to access online library resources (like JSTOR) from off-campus.