Research Tools: Home
This is a guide to the wide world of online and downloadable tools available to help researchers and students with every stage of the research process. From brainstorming ideas to publishing the final draft, these tools and programs can simplify, organize, and speed up the creation of your projects and papers. Click any of the tabs above to find links and guides for the various steps.
I Want To...
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Brainstorm |
Assist in discovering research topics. |
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Collaborate |
Work with others to complete projects. |
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Clean data |
Organize and prepare datasets for analysis. |
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Analyze data |
Examine and interpret datasets to uncover patterns, trends, or insights. |
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Analyze text |
Interpret non-numeric data like interviews, observations, and texts. |
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Visualize data |
Present your data in an illustrated or graphical format. |
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Create a dynamic map |
Create maps to display spatial data or geographic trends. |
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Edit audio, video, or images |
Adjust and enhance multimedia materials for analysis or publication. |
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Organize research materials |
Sort, manage, and organize files, notes, and references. |
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Ensure accessibility |
Make research materials usable for people of all abilities. |
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Select a journal for publication |
Select and evaluate an appropriate journal for your research. |
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Manage data |
Organize, store, and preserve research data for easy access and reuse. |
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Monitor metrics |
Track the impact of your research and manage your online scholarly profiles. |
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Miscellaneous |
Additional sites to help with productivity and other tools. |
Resources
LSU Virtual Lab
The LSU Virtual Lab (VLab) is an online service which allows students to log into a Virtual Computer to access software that is installed in the computer lab. VLab is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
LSU Sites
LSU Libraries provides LSU students with the opportunity to sign up for a domain name and collaboratively or individually work on digital projects.
LSU ITS Quick Links for Students
Information about technology and software on campus.
LSU Tigerware
LSU's web-based software distribution tool. A centralized warehouse of licensed software tools for all operating systems.
Software in Computer Labs, Classrooms & VLab
List of software available in campus computer labs. Certain software is only accessible in specific labs.
OnTheHub Student Software Discounts
OnTheHub offers discounted pricing for a software items.
LSU Office of Undergraduate Research
The LSU OUR supports student participation in faculty-mentored research and professional-level activities.
For students looking to become involved in undergraduate research, we offer assistance in finding a mentor, events to learn more about undergraduate research, and opportunities to talk to research students about their experiences in any major.
For students who are currently involved in undergraduate research, we offer funding, workshops, awards, and an annual symposium to present your work.
Research Support at LSU Library
LSU Library offers many resources to help in the research process.
LSU Library Databases
LSU Library offers access to a large amount of databases that span all disciplines.
LSU Center for Academic Success
As LSU’s central learning center, the Center for Academic Success cultivates academic resilience through metacognitive development. We promote life-long learning by providing innovative services and transformational experiences that support student persistence and achievement.
LSU Communication Across the Curriculum
CxC is a program that works to improve the writing, speaking, visual and technological communication skills of undergraduates at LSU.
LSU Discover Day
Louisiana State University's annual undergraduate conference, LSU Discover Day, showcases the research and creative works completed by undergraduate students across all majors and from any accredited college or university.
Where Can I Access These Tools?
| Location | Workstations Available | Software Available | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSU Libraries |
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Full list of available software on LSU Libraries Lab Computers: https://grok.lsu.edu/article.aspx?articleid=16998 |
Current LSU Faculty, Students, and Staff |
| Patrick F Taylor 1350 |
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Full list of available software on Patrick F Taylor Lab Computers: https://grok.lsu.edu/article.aspx?articleid=16998 |
Current LSU Faculty, Students, and Staff |
| LSU Virtual Lab (VLab) | Available virtually from a personal device |
Full list of available software on LSU Virtual Lab: https://grok.lsu.edu/article.aspx?articleid=16074#SoftwareByDesktop |
Current LSU Faculty, Students, and Staff |
| VizLab-Design Building 216-217 |
Lenovo ThinkStation P510-20 workstations available 16 stations are equipped with Wacom Cintiq pen displays |
Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk 2022, ArcGIS desktop, Rhinoceros 5 with Rhinoterrain and Grasshopper extensions, Rhinoceros 6, Lumion, Agisoft Metashape, ZBrush. | Current LSU Faculty, Students, and Staff |
| CxC Art + Design Studio-215 Julian T. White Hall | PC Workstations | Available for individual or group web design, graphic design, CAD, and 3D modeling | Current LSU Faculty, Students, and Staff (reservations may be required) |
| CxC Engineering Studio-1269 Patrick Taylor Hall | PC Workstations | Various Engineering and Scientific Software | Current LSU Faculty, Students, and Staff (reservations may be required) |
| CxC HSS Studio (Studio 151)- 151 Coates Hall | Mac Workstations | Available for individual or group video/audio editing, web design, graphic design, etc. | Current LSU Faculty, Students, and Staff (reservations may be required) |
| Department of Geography and Anthropology Labs-Howe-Russell E220 | PC Workstations (20 Stations) | Agisoft Metashape, ArcGIS, Canvas, Imagine, Google Earth Pro, Matlab, QGIS, R, and R Studio | Current LSU undergraduate and graduate students |
| Digital Media Center-340 East Parker Blvd | PC Workstations | Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate, Adobe Audition, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Substance Designer, Adobe Substance Painter, Adobe Substance 3D Stager, Adobe Substance 3D Sampler, Adobe XD, Autodesk Maya to Arnold 5.3.3.1, Autodesk Maya 2024_1_ML, Box for file access, Epic Unreal 5.1.X, Epic Unreal 5.2.X, Lastest Git, Latest P4V (Perforce), Google Chrome, Firefox, Marmoset Toolbag 4.06, Microsoft VS Code, Microsoft Visual Studio 2022, Pixelogic Zbrush 2023.2, SideFX Houdini 19.5.716, Steam, Vive & Oculus drivers, SoundQ 2023.5.31, Unity 2022.3.8f1 LTS, YoyoGames GameMaker 2023.6.0.92 | Current LSU Digital Media Arts Students and Faculty |
| Location | Resources Available | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| CxC Art+Design Studio-215 Julian T. White Hall | 3D Scanning and 3D Printing | Reserved for art and design projects. (Fees may apply-Access via Tiger Cash) |
| CxC Engineering Studio-1269 Patrick F. Taylor Hall | 3D Printer, 3D Scanner, Large-Format printer, and wide format sheet-fed scanner | Open to LSU undergraduate and graduate students.(Fees may apply-Access via Tiger Cash) |
| VizLab-216-217 Design Building | HP DesignJet Z6200 42″ Photo Printer (x3), Océ PlotWave 340, HP LaserJet 700 M712n Black and White Laser Printer, HP LaserJet M750dn Color Laser Printer, HP SD Pro 44-in Scanner, HP Scanjet Enterprise Flow N9120 fn2 | Open to LSU Faculty, Staff, and Students. (Fees may apply-Access via Tiger Cash |
| Digital Imaging and Visualization in Archaeology Lab (DIVA)-Howe-Russell | 3D Printer and 3D Scanner | Open to researchers in Geography and Anthropology by appointment |
| Location | Resource | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| CxC Art+Design Studio-215 Julian White Hall | Cameras, camcorders, mics, boompoles, tripods, lightkits, lenses, camera accessories | Available for check-out |
| CxC Engineering Studio-1269 Patrick F. Taylor Hall | High-speed camcorder; cameras, tripods, headphones, cables, mics, memory cards, etc. | Available for check-out |
| CxC Studio 151-151 Coates Hall | Professional audio recording sound booth, Mini-DV camcorders, tripods, HD flip cameras, GoPro cameras/accessories, etc. |
Soundbooth-by appointment AV equipment-available for check out |
| LSU Libraries-2nd floor check out desk | Microphones, webcams, camcorders, and laptops | Available for check-out |
Disclaimer on Tool Usage
The tools listed in this guide are provided as examples of online and open-source resources that may support student learning, research, and coursework. While these tools have been reviewed for relevance and educational value, their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by LSU Libraries, and LSU Libraries do not receive any monetary benefit from their use.
Students are encouraged to use these tools responsibly, in accordance with university policies on academic integrity and data privacy. LSU Libraries cannot guarantee the security, availability, or continued functionality of third-party tools. Please verify with your department if you have questions about use of these tools in your coursework and research.
How to Access
There are multiple ways to access these research tools. Some require licenses or require you to register an account. Some are freely accessible in-browser. If a program needs to be downloaded and installed, it must be done on a personal computer.
Tigerware
Tigerware is the main place to download many types of software available at LSU. Some software on Tigerware may require a license request, and if a download is not available, the Tigerware page is meant as an informational guidepost on where the software can be obtained instead.
Some examples of software available on Tigerware include ArcGIS, Mathematica, and EndNote.
VLab
VLab is a virtual desktop that is available for LSU users which has software pre-installed for immediate use. A VPN (virtual private network) is required for use off-campus, and files must be saved to cloud storage or on a USB drive. Several virtual desktops are available to choose based on software needs.
