Business : FYP

Q: When should I meet with a research librarian? 

A: That’s entirely up to you. It’s nice to meet in the beginning to discuss the project, but you’re welcome to send your librarian emails whenever you need information.  It’s typically easier to take on smaller portions of the research, and then follow up with additional needs and questions.

Q: How do teams typically work with their research librarian?

A: Some teams will designate one person to be the research liaison with the librarian. Others will prefer to meet with the librarian as a group. Check with your assigned librarian to work out communication channels and file sharing. 

Q: I don’t know who my team’s assigned librarian is. How can I contact them? 

A: You should have received an introduction email in February that included both your faculty advisor and librarian. If you cannot find that message, then email Feldberg Library and we will reconnect you with your assigned librarian.

Q: How can I use AI to support my research?

A: Experiment! The AI tools continue to evolve rapidly. In our experience, using a GenAI tool with web searching capability can help you unearth interesting sources, focus your questions, or guide the language you use for searching. Keep in mind that most of the models are trained on publicly available information. Much of the "good stuff" is still behind a paywall and unavailable to the AI tools. If an AI tool presents you with factual information, ask for the source, and verify it.  Most Feldberg Library resources carry restrictions regarding AI use with their licensed content. Check with your librarian for clarification before uploading proprietary reports or data to an AI tool.

Q: How do I conduct market research? How do I size a market? 

A: Your librarian can look for articles or book chapters that discuss the process, but this is probably also a great question for your faculty advisor. Explore resources on surveys and interviews shared in the FYP Canvas course. 

Q: Can I share this report with my client?

A: All of our resources are licensed for your academic use.  The FYP is a class, so you’re welcome to use anything that we subscribe to, but you can’t hand it over in its entirety to your client.  You can incorporate tables or charts or your insights from the research into your deliverables, but please don’t email a full report or spreadsheet to your client. Be sure to properly cite any sources used. Citing not only gives credit to the source, but also provides your client an idea about what types of information might be helpful to them in the future. Questions about citing sources? Ask your librarian or review our Citation Resources Guide.

Q: Can Feldberg buy a report or other resource for our team? 

A: Typically, no. The library does not have funding for purchasing materials for individual teams. However, let us know what you're interested in—we may be able to suggest an alternative we already own. We might also be able to help you recommend a resource to your client for purchase.