I've never been to the library before. Where do I start?

If you're not sure where to start, ask a librarian for help. We can get you started in the right direction to find the resources you need.

I haven't got time to come to the library, can you help?

Yes. You can use our Ask a Librarian services to chat with a librarian online, e-mail your questions, or phone. You may also want to try looking at our Subject Guides - we cover many topics here.

How do I find books on my topic?

Start with the library's online catalog. You may search by title, author, subject or keyword. If you're not sure how to use the library catalog, ask a librarian for help.

How do I find articles on my topic?

First, you need to use an index/database such as InfoTrac to find citations to articles on your topic. Then you will need to find out if the library subscribes to the magazines or journals listed. See the handout "How to Find Journal Articles" for more information.

What's a scholarly journal?

Journal articles contain original research or analysis written by someone who has expertise in that field (usually a PhD.). These articles are read by people working in that field. Some examples are New England Journal of Medicine and Studies in Short Fiction. The articles are normally longer than magazine articles and have extensive bibliographies. See the handout, "Serial or Magazine" for more information.

How do I know which database I should use for my topic?

If you're unsure about what database to use, look at Choosing the Right Database. Click on the topic of your choice and you will be given a list of appropriate databases. If your topic isn't listed or you're still unsure, ask a librarian for help.