Empowering Graduate Research with Tools from The Volpe Library
Graduate research may feel overwhelming at times, especially when you are balancing
coursework, work responsibilities, and life outside of school. Whether you are fully
online or navigating a hybrid schedule, having the right tools may make the research
process feel more manageable and even empowering. The good news is that Tennessee
Tech’s Volpe Library offers a wide range of resources designed to help graduate students
work smarter, not harder. To help you get the most out of your research experience,
we spoke with Holly Mills, Librarian in Collections and Access at the Volpe Library.
Her expertise includes research support, access and EagleSearch assistance, and library
systems management. Holly explained that the library provides many valuable tools
and services that may support graduate students at every stage of their academic
journey. Below, she highlights some of the most helpful options available.
Essential Research Tools You Should Know About
One of the greatest strengths of the Volpe Library is its extensive collection of research database subscriptions. Holly shared that these databases provide access to a wide range of full text content across many disciplines, including peer-reviewed scholarly articles that are essential for graduate-level work. The database subscription is available at no cost to students, making it easier to access credible sources without worrying about additional costs.
When the library does not already own what you need, “Interlibrary Loan” services step in. Holly explained that through this system, graduate students may borrow physical books from other institutions or receive articles and book chapters electronically, often within one day of requesting them. For times when content is not available through Interlibrary Loan, the Volpe Library also offers a service called “Get It Now”. Holly noted that this service provides rapid access to materials that are not otherwise available. While the library covers the cost, the content remains free for graduate students.
Tools for Organizing Research and Managing Citations
Staying organized is key to reducing stress during the research process. EagleSearch, the library’s discovery tool, makes this easier by allowing students to quickly locate sources, copy and paste citations, or directly export them to RefWorks. Holly mentioned that RefWorks is a citation management tool that Tennessee Tech subscribes to for student use, helping you save time and keep references organized and formatted correctly throughout your program. For citation guidance, the Writing Excellence Studio at Tech, known as WEST, is a valuable online resource. WEST provides support for most major citation styles and serves as the university’s go to writing resource for students at all levels. You may also want to check out Purdue OWL for online research and citation resources.
Finding Peer Reviewed Articles More Efficiently
When you are searching for scholarly sources, knowing how to refine your search may save a lot of time. Holly recommends using peer-reviewed or scholarly filters in EagleSearch and in library databases to quickly narrow results to credible academic sources. These filters are one of the most effective ways to ensure your research meets graduate level expectations.
For additional guidance, the Volpe Library offers short “How to Search” videos that walk students through search strategies and tips. Holly explained that these videos are especially helpful for online and hybrid students who prefer learning on their own schedule.
Learning How to Use Research Tools
Rather than in-person workshops, the Volpe Library focuses on providing clear, accessible online guidance. Holly shared that students may access full instructional videos for EagleSearch, video guides for RefWorks through ProQuest, and step-by-step instructions for connecting Google Scholar to Tennessee Tech’s library resources. This online approach allows graduate students to access support whenever they need it.
In addition, the Writing Excellence Studio regularly offers workshops focused on research, writing, and citations. These sessions are well regarded and may be a great way to build confidence in your academic skills.
Extra Support You Might Not Know About
Beyond tools, one of the most valuable resources available is personalized research help. Holly encourages graduate students who want extra guidance to reach out directly for one-on-one support. Sometimes a short conversation may make a big difference in clarifying search strategies or improving efficiency. The Volpe Library team is available by call at: (931) 372-3326.
Another lesser known resource is the “Purchase Request” option. Holly explained that if a book or article is not available through Get It Now, students may submit a request for the library to purchase the item. Funding typically lasts through most of the fiscal year, and requestors get first access to materials once they arrive.
Helpful Links to Bookmark
If you are looking to explore these tools further, the following library pages are great places to start: research tools, request an item, and research help.
Academic research does not have to be a solo journey. The Volpe Library is here to support you every step of the way, whether you are just starting a literature review or finalizing your thesis or dissertation. If you need guidance, do not hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the resources available to you. Your success matters, and help is always within reach.