Bringing Research Help to You: Research Mavs Minute Clinics
Finding reliable research support can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when you’re unsure where to start or go in a six-story library. That’s precisely why the UTA Libraries’ Research Mavs team is bringing help directly to students through Research Mavs Minute Clinics, happening every Wednesday from Noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29 on the first floor of the Central Library.
The Minute Clinics are designed to make research help approachable, convenient and immediate. Whether you need guidance or advice on organizing your research project, you can stop by the Research Mavs table and get expert support; no appointment is needed.
“The Minute Clinics are an opportunity for students to drop by our Research Mavs table on the first floor to get assistance with their literature reviews and bibliographies or any other research-oriented task,” Brianna Branscomb, Research Success Coordinator, said. “We’ll be near the entrance, so students can easily stop by between classes and get the help they need.”
The Research Mavs team helps a student with a research question during its Minute Clinic sessions, which are held on the first floor of the UTA Central Library.
Making Research Help Accessible
Research Mavs Minute Clinics were created with one goal: removing access barriers.
“Our library is a big space, and sometimes students don’t know where to find the right person,” Collin Stephenson, Research Success Librarian, said. “By situating ourselves on the first floor, even for a short time, we’re making it easier for students to get the help they need, when they need it.”
The clinics also allow students to learn more about the Research Mavs program, which offers one-on-one peer research consultations throughout the semester. Located on the third floor of the Central Library, the Research Mavs program pairs trained student researchers with their peers to provide personalized research support, from choosing topics and finding sources to refining citations and managing projects.
“We’re hoping the Minute Clinics increase visibility for the program,” Branscomb said. “Because we’re tucked away on the third floor, not everyone knows about us. This helps students see that support is here, approachable and for everyone.”
A student receives help with a research question from a member of the Research Mavs team during the Minute Clinic sessions, which are held at the UTA Central Library on the first floor. The next sessions will be from Noon to 1 p.m. on Oct. 22 and 29.
Small Time, Big Impact
Despite the name, the Minute Clinics do not have rushed sessions. Each conversation is tailored to the student’s needs; some may take just a few minutes, while others could lead to scheduling a longer consultation with a Research Mav upstairs.
“Our goal is to help people meaningfully,” Stephenson said. “Even if we can’t answer every question on the spot, we want everyone to leave with the first step they need to move forward.”
For more complex questions, students can easily access additional library resources or schedule a follow-up appointment with a Research Mav for deeper support.
Members of the Research Mavs work with two students answering research questions at the Minute Clinic sessions held on the first floor of the UTA Central Library on Oct. 15. The next two Minute Clinic sessions will be on Oct. 22 and 29.
Stop By and See What It’s All About
The Research Mavs Minute Clinics are all about making research support visible, approachable and accessible. Whether you’re new to academic research or deep in your thesis, you’ll find friendly guidance and practical help from people who understand the challenges of student research.
Join us on the first floor of the Central Library Wednesday, Oct. 22 and 29, from noon to 1 p.m., and see how just a few minutes can help you move your research forward.
Learn more about the Research Mavs program on the UTA Libraries’ website.
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