Getting Started with Library Research

The following steps can help you navigate the research process using resources at the UC Davis University Library:

Step 1. Review class assignment, looking for keywords or terms that can help you define your topic. These keywords can then be used to search in the available library catalogs and databases. Also note what types of references you will need as required by the instructor: for example, book chapters, newspaper articles, magazine articles, or peer-reviewed journal articles.

Step 2. For assistance on developing the most efficient research strategy and identification of local resources, contact a reference librarian at the library or via the online "Email Reference Service" form for an emailed response.

Step 3. Where to find different types of references:

Books - To find books and other materials located at UC Davis campus libraries, use the Harvest Library Catalog. To look for books located at other UC Campus Libraries, use the Melvyl® UC Catalog.
Full-text Newspaper articles - see LexisNexis Academic - One of the largest web-based full-text databases for current news, business and legal information, supporting a broad range of interdisciplinary research.
Full text Magazine articles - see Expanded Academic ASAP - Indexes articles from scholarly and popular journals and magazines in all disciplines; full-text for many articles. Coverage: 1980 to present.
Peer reviewed or Scholarly journal article datases by subject: see full list of Electronic Databases.
For quick access to facts and other data - see the Electronic Reference Resources - listing of web based encyclopedias, almanacs, dictionaries, etc.

Step 4. If you need further help either finding appropriate resources, refining your search strategy, or writing or formatting a paper in the required style (e.g. APA, MLA), other services are available.

Plagiarism (from the UC Davis Student Handbook)
Learning Skills Center - get help with such things as general study skills, math/science study skills, essay and term paper writing, reading efficiency, English as a second language, time-management skills, test-taking skills, and test anxiety reduction.
Print & Electronic Citation Guides - list of both print and web accessible style manual resources.