For a quick overview on using the library for college-level research, please see the How Do I Begin tutorial.
Doing research on a topic in the library
When you’re searching for information on a research topic, the best database to use will depend on what kind of information you want to find. In many cases, you can start your search in the Library OneSearch box on the library homepage. This will allow you to search across most of the library’s databases at once.
Begin your search by selecting the advanced search link just beneath the basic search box.
A new window will open to the advanced search page. Here you'll have three search boxes in which to enter your keywords. Make sure to enter one keyword per box. If you need additional assistance coming up with keywords, please see the Keywords are Critical tutorial.
Before selecting search, depending on what results you are looking for you'll want to use the Filters beneath the search box to further limit your results to Scholarly/ Peer Reviewed items or select a custom date range. Then select apply before selecting search.
If you find an article that may be useful to your research you can learn more about it by selecting the view details link available with every article. That will bring up detailed information about the article including the abstract, which is a summary of the article. Reading this will help you decide if the article is relevant to your topic and worthwhile to click on and read in its entirety.
If you want to access the full text of an article select the Access options button near the view details link. This will provide you with the options to access the full text which will usually be either PDF or HTML.
Using other databases
Although Library OneSearch is a great place to start, you may also need to use other databases to find the information you need.
Think of Library OneSearch as the “Wal-Mart” of the library. You can find much of what you need at Wal-Mart, but if you need something more specialized, you’ll probably need to go to a specialty store (like a hardware store or a shoe store). If you don’t find what you need searching Library OneSearch, you may need to go to a database that specializes in a particular subject area for your research topic.
Finding subject-specific databases
1. Click on Find Articles & More in the red bar near the top of the library homepage.
2. Click on Databases by Subject.
3. Then choose the subject area (like Anthropology, Business, Health, and Medicine, etc.) that best fits your research topic. You will find a list of the best databases for information in that subject area.
Start with the ones labeled “Librarian’s Choice” for the most relevant information.
For additional information about locating a specific database please see the UAGC Library Database tip sheet
Need to Find a specific article in the library (like a course reading)
To learn how to find specific articles, watch our Help! Need an Article! tutorial.
If you still have questions you can chat in real-time with a librarian here.