When you're embarking on a significant research and writing project, it can be challenging to keep track of sources and search strategies--but it will be very helpful if you're able to do so! Here are some recommendations:

• Create and use accounts in Library Search and databases. This will allow you to save items that you find, as well as search strings (keywords, subject terms, etc.). 
• Set up table of contents alerts in your favorite journals to keep up with what's being published related to your topic. 
• Consider using a citation management tool like Zotero to store and organize your citations; this will also help you generate footnotes/endnotes and references while you're writing. 

During the course of your thesis research, you'll encounter lots and lots of sources--but your time isn't infinite (unfortunately). Here are some suggestions for evaluating which sources are worth your time and focus: 

• Where is this source coming from? Who is the author? Do they have an academic affiliation and have they published on this topic previously? If it's a book, who is the publisher? If it's an article, what can you learn about the journal? 
• Should I read this book? Book reviews are published in academic journals, and can be a good way of assessing if a book is relevant to your research and how it fits into the literature of your topic. You can find book reviews in Library Search, JSTOR, and other databases. 
• Should I read this article? When you're faced with a long list of search results, delve into the abstracts of articles; these are typically written by the article's author to provide the gist of their argument, methodology, etc. 
• What do other scholars think about this? In addition to looking at reviews (for books), look at who is citing a source and how they're engaging with it. Some databases (especially bigger, multidisciplinary academic databases like Web of Science) make it easy to see how many times an article has been cited and to trace the conversation about a topic. You can also use reference works, many of which include bibliographies, to see what sources are considered seminal to the understanding of a topic.
• How am I going to use this source in my research and writing? Try the BEAM method to think through how you engage with your sources. 

Interlibrary Loan allows you to request materials like books and articles from other libraries. Check Library Search first to see if what you need is at Vassar!

If you have any questions about an ILL request, do not hesitate to email ill@vassar.edu. The ILL office is in our Main library and the staff will respond promptly.

If ILL cancels your request and you have questions about why, contact researchhelp@vassar.edu. Often it's because of an incomplete citation or because the item requested is archival material that does not circulate. We can help you consider your next steps. 

Vassar is a member of the Center for Research Libraries, which makes available more than 4.5 million publications, archives, and collections, and well over one million digital resources, to its member libraries. Previous thesis writers have received reels of microfilm, books, and digitized materials from CRL; think of it as a powerful supplement to our ILL services and online databases. For more information about getting items from CRL, check out this guide. 

In WorldCat, if you click "Libraries worldwide that own this item," you will see a list of libraries who own the item, presented in geographical order based on their distance from Vassar. If you cannot borrow an item through Interlibrary Loan, you may be able to view/use it in person.

If you need to visit another library or archive for your thesis research, always confirm ahead. Speak with a librarian or archivist to plan your visit. You want to confirm that you will be given access to the library and that the resources you need will be available. The librarian or archivist may also be able to tell you more about the collections or materials that are of interest to you, or guide you to additional relevant collections. You might need to make an appointment, bring a letter of introduction, or another requirement for access. (See below about the SHARES program, which can assist you with these processes at partner institutions.) 

Vassar is also a member of the OCLC SHARES program, which is both an interlibrary loan service and an agreement that allows researchers from one SHARES institution to visit other SHARES member libraries and gain access to collections and services. Check the list of partner institutions and view information about their policies for SHARES visitors. 

Before you visit other libraries, talk to a Vassar librarian! We may have additional tips or connections that we will happily share. 

Is there a book you need for your thesis research that you think we should add to Vassar's collection? Use this form to make a suggestion.