Tips for Grads: Resources offered by UW–Madison Libraries

By Emily Azevedo-Casey, PhD student
You may be familiar with several benefits the libraries at UW offer, such as access to newspapersinterlibrary loans (that are very quick!), and the graduate study and presentation practice space at Memorial Library. We were curious about what other offerings the 40+ campus libraries could bring, especially to grad students. Using the “Ask a Librarian” chat feature, we connected with Ian and Savannah from College Library to create this short list to help grads get support in teaching, research, learning, and creating community.

  • Research support. Stuck in an aspect of your research project? UW-Madison Libraries has you covered. Refresh your skills on conducting scientific literature reviews, one of the many micro-courses offered. Connect with subject librarians or research data services for help in finding the right literature you need and guidance in sharing your work. Check out the research support page for all things research project planning – from funding to data management and sharing.
  • Teaching support. Are you a TA or course instructor? Check out the course reserves materials and course reading lists to get a handle on best ways to connect your students with reading material and as well as review past reading lists by courses.
  • Rent equipment. From laptops and iPads, to cameras, game consoles, and even button makers, make use of the wide variety of rentals available.
  • Ask about custom workshops led by library instructional staff on topics like search methodologies, grants, and data management.

Whether you are on or off campus, don’t overlook the versatility of support and resources UW–Madison Libraries can bring. These resources are just the tip of the iceberg of what the university’s libraries have to offer in support of your research, teaching, and practice endeavors. What library services have helped you in graduate school so far?


Tips for Grads is a professional and academic advice column written by graduate students for graduate students at UW­–Madison. It is published in the student newsletter, GradConnections Weekly.