The Library at LWTech is your center for research on campus. We provide services and tools that can help you start your research assignment and also fortify your research skills in general.
View our individual pages to get the help you need, and never hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions or would like to schedule a one-on-one tutorial with a librarian.
Need help with citations? Check out these citation tools!
New as of Summer 2023, you can now access our Using Generative AI Tools guide in Canvas. This is a very introductory guide and may change over time as technology evolves. This guide defines generative AI, provides examples of generative AI tools, describes how they can be used in your work, describes problems and issues with the tools, and explains responsible use of the tools at the college. Note that LWTech does not have a college-wide policy or statement on generative AI. Please email the library if you have questions or want to learn about AI trainings at the college.
There are a variety of ways you can get help with using research databases. We highly recommend using official tutorials when available, which can be found within the databases (look for "Help" sections), on publisher websites, and on video streaming platforms like YouTube.
We also have several in-house video tutorials created by librarians, available to view on our publicly-available Canvas page. If you need additional help with a specific research database, please contact us and we will be more than happy to provide you with training.
How good is the information you managed to find in your research? Here are two ways to evaluate any information you find: the CRAAP test and the SIFT method.
The CRAAP test looks at the details of the information: who wrote it, when and why did they write it, etc. Applying the CRAAP test can look different based on where you find the information (in an article, in a book, on a website).
The SIFT method considers if the source you found is the best source for the information you want. Has anyone else written about the topic who you might trust more? What was the original context for the statements and ideas your source is quoting?
Do you know who made that website and why? The LWTech librarians are committed to bringing you the tools and support students and faculty need to understand how to properly evaluate web resources in the 21st century.
We have created several evaluation worksheets in-house. The Web Evaluation Matrix is designed to help you review any resource on the web based on Accuracy, Authority, Objectivity, Currency, and Coverage. The Video Evaluation Matrix is a similar tool, designed specifically to review video content on the web:
If you would like to learn more about evaluation and develop your skills further, please consider looking at the Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers Book. This free book provides practical techniques to guide you through web evaluation.
LinkedIn Learning is an amazing resource providing video instruction on countless tech-related topics. LWTech students and faculty have access to LinkedIn Learning by association with the college. Follow the directions below to sign into your LinkedIn Learning account.
Need Additional Help with LinkedIn Learning? Contact Brianna Ramos. You can also check out the IT Services LinkedIn Learning guide page.
StudentLingo offers more than 25 online video workshops available for free to all LWTech students that are accessible 24/7. These short, interactive workshops help students achieve their personal, academic, and career goals. Workshops include student activities, helpful action plans, links to additional academic success resources, and offer proof of completion. There are a wide variety of workshops available, which include: Tips for Success in Online Courses, Classroom Expectations and Behaviors, Effectively Communicating Online, Staying Motivated and Disciplined, Overcoming Procrastination, What It Takes to be a Successful Student, and many more.
First time users will need to register and create a password.
The following online resources are great places to find openly-licensed, multimedia content to use in a project, presentation, report, or other creative document. Please note that limitations for use of the content vary depending on the site.
(425) 739-8100 x8320
(425) 576-5865
Kirkland Campus
Technology Center, T215
Business Hours
Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Campus Hours
Mon-Thurs, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, Closed to the public
Sat-Sun, Closed
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) is committed to providing access to information for all, therefore we are taking the following measures to ensure accessibility of the college’s public facing website (LWTech.edu), and third-party platforms utilized by students, staff, and community members.
The college is currently conducting an audit to determine the extent to which its website and third-party platforms are compliant.