Create an Academic Research Poster
Here's an example of a poster the library made with the criteria for an academic poster. You can click on the image of the poster to download it as a PDF file.
This poster was created with PowerPoint. It is a 36 x 48 inch poster.
You will need to change the slide size to match the poster size. Here's a quick tutorial on how to make the PowerPoint slide size change.
All of your information will go on that one slide. With the poster being so large it is easy to misjudge the size of the text and images. Use the display board tips to help guide you in creating your poster. Zoom in on the information you have added to make sure there are no misspellings.
Creating an Online Virtual Poster
Free resources you can use to create an online poster:
Ask your instructor what the requirements are for your class. This may be a good resource for online classes.
COVID 19 Library Resources and Services
September 2020
The library is open for usage of our resources. We need to maintain social distancing and wear face masks. The number of desktop computers and seating available for usage has been reduced to provide six foot social distancing.
March 23, 2020
The health and safety of the SWCC community is our top priority during this challenging time. The SWCC library will continue to provide academic support for our students and faculty in manners that best align with that priority. Services and resources remain available, but flexibility will be necessary as the situation develops in real time.
The library will be closed to the general public and walk-in traffic.
Access to Resources
All e-resources such as article databases, ebooks, and streaming videos will continue to be available via our website. Physical items are not available at this time.
Assistance & Help
SWCC librarians are available for research questions and consulation via: online chat, email (
Due Dates
Items that are current checked out do not need to be returned to the library at this time. No fines will be assessed for items that are or become overdue.
Instruction
Faculty can contact the library to schedule information literacy/library instruction for online classes. We will also help provide appropriate videos and tutorials that fit a particular information literacy or research need.
Nedley-Newcomb Reading List
Download PDF version of Minority Group Relations reading list.
About the Library
The library is located in the middle of the round Instructional Center. It's a great place to stop and find out information! In addition to helping find resources for class assignments, we will help you find your classrooms. Our location makes us an ideal spot for lost and found items. So if you have misplaced your jump drives, cell phone or keys someone may have turned them into the library.
Other services that students find invaluable are:
- Photocopies for $.10 per page.
- Electric three-hole punch
- Electric pencil sharpener
- Wi-Fi access
- Computers and printer
Library Hours
Fall and spring semester hours
- Monday-Thursday : 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Friday : 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Summer hours
- Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Friday, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Find a Scholarly Journal
Your instructor has asked you to find a "scholarly journal" or "professional journal" as opposed to a popular magazine. No clear-cut definition can be given but the following are some clues to help you distinguish between them.
A scholarly journal can not be defined by one or two features nor do all features have to be present to make it a journal. Look for a majority of the traits listed above. If in doubt, ask your instructor or a librarian.
| Magazines | Scholarly Journals | |
| Author | Journalist; layperson. Sometimes author unknown. May be scholar but not in field covered. | Expert, scholar, professor, etc. in field covered. Identified author. |
| Notes | Few or no references or notes | Includes notes and/or research |
| Style | Journalistic, written for average reader | Written for experts, shows research |
| Editing | Reviewed by one or more persons employed by magazine. | Editorial board of outside scholars review articles before publishing. |
| Audience | General public | Scholars or researchers in the field. |
| Ads | Many, often in color | Few or none. If any, usually look for books and other 'scholarly' items. |
| Look | Glossy, many pictures often in color | More sedate look, mostly print. |
| Frequency | Usually weekly or monthly | Usually quarterly or monthly. |
| Contents | Current events; general interest | More specialized; research topics. |
| Indexes | Found in general periodical indexes | Found in subject specialized indexes. |