Academics & So Much More! Blog - Research Guides at Tidewater Community College

Yep, we do—and it’s made just for you! Whether you're looking for research tips, study hacks, book recommendations, or updates on library events, our blog is your go-to spot for all things academic and awesome.

Why Check It Out?
🧠 Smart advice for crushing your assignments
📚 Hidden gems from our collections
🎉 Info on workshops, giveaways, and cool stuff happening in the library
💬 Real talk from your librarians (we’re cooler than you think)

New posts drop regularly, and we keep it short, helpful, and student-friendly.

👉 Visit the blog on the library website and bookmark it—you’ll thank us later.
Just a reminder: The blog is always being updated with fresh content, so check back often so you don’t miss out on tips, events, and exclusive library insights!

Recent Posts

🎓 Need Help With Research? Meet Your New Best Friend: Research Guides

Stuck on a paper? Not sure where to start? Don’t panic—your library’s got your back with Research Guides!These librarian-made guides are like cheat sheets for your classes. They’ll hook you up with:🔍 The best databases for your topic📚 Books and articles your professor will love✍️ Citation help (APA, MLA, Chicago—no sweat)📬 A librarian you can actually talk toWhether you’re writing a paper, prepping a presentation, or just trying to survive midterms, research guides make it way easier.👉 Find them on the library website under “Research Guides.”📣 Questions? Ask a librarian both in-person and available online—we’re here to help you crush it....

Research: Not as Scary as It Sounds!

Okay, let’s be real—research can sound about as exciting as a math test on a Monday morning. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be boring! Whether you’re working on a paper or just trying to answer one of those random, "What’s the deal with this?" questions, research can actually be a cool adventure—and your TCC Libraries are the best place to kick off your journey.Step 1: Start with CuriosityResearch doesn’t have to be about writing a 20-page paper. It starts with something simple: a question. What's that random thought that popped into your head? Whether it’s “How did pizza become so popular?” or “What are the weirdest animals in the world?”—that’s your starting point. Everything cool starts with a question!Step 2: Use Your Library’s Secret WeaponsYour library isn’t just a quiet place to nap (or is it?). It’s a treasure trove of databases, research guides, ebooks, and hidden gems that’ll make finding info a breeze. Forget endless Googling—your librarians are research superheroes ready to point you in the right direction. Just ask, and they’ll show you the way to the good stuff!Step 3: Dive In & Have a BlastOnce you find your topic, it’s like opening a door to a whole new world. You’ll discover wild facts, crazy histories, and maybe even a new obsession. Research is like the ultimate treasure hunt—and the best part? You get to keep what you find!Step 4: Take Breaks & Celebrate Your WinsAll that research can get intense, so make sure you take breaks! Watch a quirky documentary on Kanopy, grab a snack, or just take a breather. And every time you find a perfect source or cool fact? Celebrate! Maybe with a fist pump. Maybe with a victory lap around the library.So, next time you think of research as a drag, just remember: It’s an exploration! You’ve got a whole library full of tools and cool resources waiting for you to discover. Dive in, have fun, and let the research adventure begin!What’s your most random research question? Let us know—we might just have the perfect resource for it!...

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Recognize the importance of amplifying Native voices, preserving Indigenous knowledge, and fostering understanding through literature, storytelling, and community engagement.Check out some of the resources your TCC Libraries have to offer:(Books selected by Ruthie D., Portsmouth Campus Library)The Cambridge history of Native American literatureNew Mexico Native American Lore : Skinwalkers, Kachinas, Spirits and Dark Omens.Contemporary Native American literatureNative American women leaders : fourteen profilesFor more resources check out our Indigenous People Studies Research Guide!...

Explore Indigenous Peoples of North America Database

Explore Indigenous Peoples of North America in Gale Primary Sources Tidewater Community College Libraries offer access to Gale Primary Sources: Indigenous Peoples of North America, a rich digital archive that brings together rare primary source materials related to the history, culture, and experiences of Indigenous peoples across the continent.What You’ll Find This database includes a wide variety of digitized materials—many of which were previously difficult to access—such as:• Manuscripts, treaties, and government documents• Maps and photographs • Personal narratives, oral histories, and organizational records• Early books and periodicalsThese resources span from the 17th to the 20th centuries and provide authentic voices and firsthand perspectives on topics including cultural traditions, colonial encounters, land rights, education, and sovereignty movements. Why It Matters Indigenous Peoples of North America supports research and learning in history, anthropology, sociology, political science, and cultural studies. It provides context for contemporary issues while honoring Indigenous perspectives that have often been marginalized in traditional historical collections.Access the collection through the TCC Libraries’ A–Z Databases page under Indigenous Peoples of North America. Once inside, you can:• Browse by collection or theme• Use powerful search tools to locate materials by tribe, region, or topic• View high-quality images of original documents• Download, cite, or share items directly from the database...

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