When to Visit the JMU Writing Center vs. JMU Libraries

Posted October 1, 2025 in Featured News, JMU Libraries News

JMU students, whether you’re in the middle of a big research paper or figuring out where to start, JMU has your back. The JMU Writing Center and JMU Libraries can help you with your research assignments in slightly different ways. Here’s what you need to know about who to ask for help: 

JMU Libraries is where you can get help during the research phase of your assignments. Librarians can help you narrow down your topic, locate credible and relevant sources, navigate academic databases, and evaluate the quality of what you find. They can also teach you how to use free, handy research tools like Zotero (for keeping citations organized) and LibKey Nomad (for getting around paywalls for articles you can get for free through JMU). Librarians have also compiled a Citing Sources Guide, with information on navigating major style manuals, discipline-specific citation rules, and emerging guidance on citing/attributing the use of AI. You can reach out to your liaison librarian for help in person, on Zoom, or over email. 

The Writing Center is your go-to place for anything related to the writing process. Whether you’re brainstorming, drafting, revising, or polishing a draft, writing consultants can help you organize your thoughts, strengthen your argument, check your formatting, and ensure your writing flows clearly. They can even help you understand the assignment and what your professor is looking for. You don’t need a finished paper to stop by—in fact, the earlier you visit, the better! Schedule an appointment with a UWC consultant to meet in person or online. 

No matter where you are in the process, using both these resources can save you time and stress—and lead to a stronger finished product.