Congratulations to Subreedia Lewis, the winner of the 2025 Friends of the Library Scholarship! Subreedia is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and is set to graduate in the spring of 2028.
Subreedia’s essay was chosen for her response to the following prompt:
How did you use library resources and services to complete a project, and what did they add to your work?
As a second-year Ph.D. student at UMKC, I have developed a deep appreciation for the invaluable resources and services provided by the university’s library. These resources have played a critical role in helping me achieve key academic milestones, particularly in the completion of my master’s thesis, which explores the social experiences of biracial women. Conducting a rigorous literature review, retrieving relevant sources, and managing my research effectively would have been significantly more challenging without the support of UMKC Libraries.
The extensive database access provided by UMKC Libraries has been instrumental in my research process. Through the library’s guides and database subscriptions such as PsycINFO, I have been able to locate and access a wealth of scholarly articles and books relevant to my thesis. Additionally, the interlibrary loan service has been a crucial tool in acquiring resources that are not readily available within the university’s collection. This access has ensured that I can engage with the most up-to-date and comprehensive literature in my field, strengthening the theoretical foundation of my work.
Beyond digital resources, the expertise of UMKC Library staff has been an indispensable asset. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a graduate student writing camp, where I worked closely with Tracey Hughes. She introduced me to Zotero, a reference management software that has greatly enhanced my ability to organize and cite my sources efficiently. Through both group sessions and a personalized one-on-one meeting, she guided me in utilizing Zotero to streamline my research workflow, saving me valuable time and improving the overall organization of my literature review.
Another significant way UMKC Libraries has supported my research is through its free poster printing service for students. This service has been especially beneficial as I prepare to present my research at multiple academic conferences this spring and summer. Having access to professional-quality poster printing at no cost has alleviated financial barriers and enabled me to effectively showcase my findings to a wider academic audience. This opportunity not only enhances my professional development, but also contributes to the broader dissemination of my research.
UMKC Libraries has been an essential partner in my academic journey, providing me with the tools, resources, and support necessary to complete my master’s thesis. From access to vast academic databases and interlibrary loan services to hands-on guidance from knowledgeable staff and valuable academic presentation support, the library has enriched my research experience in numerous ways. As I continue my Ph.D. studies, I remain grateful for the role UMKC Libraries plays in fostering student success, and I look forward to utilizing these resources in my future academic endeavors.
