Five ways ASU Library can support your graduate research journey

September 14, 2026

At ASU Library, we understand the demands of graduate study. From managing complex research to building expertise in your field, the ASU Library is here to support you at every stage of that work.

“Graduate research is a complex journey, and students do not have to navigate it alone,” said Joyce Martin, librarian and unit head for Social Sciences for the ASU Library. “ASU librarians, archivists and experts can help graduate students search the literature with confidence, organize and manage their research, make informed decisions about copyright and data, and share the impact of their work.”

Here are five ways graduate students can make the most of the ASU Library.

1) Find your librarian

You’ve got an expert researcher ready to work with you throughout your graduate research journey. Reach out early and contact us for personalized support.

2) Go beyond basic research

Graduate research is more than just keyword searching. We’ll work with you to develop advanced, discipline-appropriate searches, follow and engage in scholarly conversations, conduct rigorous literature reviews, and stay up to date with alerts.

3) Access more than what you can find online

Don’t feel limited by what you can immediately access. Library databases, specialized collections and interlibrary loan get you beyond Google Scholar.

Pro tip: Install the LibKey Nomad browser extension. When you browse scholarly and research websites, you’ll have direct access to ASU Library's full-text articles and e-books. Review the short LibKey microlesson to learn more.

4) Manage your research as it grows

As your projects develop, your sources, notes and citations can add up quickly. Organizing literature, citation management and developing research workflows are all important to staying organized and keeping on track.

5) The library is your research partner

The ASU Library not only supports you as a student but also as a researcher, instructor and emerging scholar. Find library experts to help you with publishing, copyright, open access, data management and teaching with library resources.

Explore the Graduate Students website to discover more resources ASU Library offers for your research, teaching and learning.

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