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Getting Started with Library Research

Gathering Resources

There are many ways to gather information for your research project. You can, of course use Google Scholar to research. However, using Google or Google Scholar alone will prevent you from accessing the many subscription-based resources paid for by the UMass Global Library that you are entitled to as a UMass Global student. You should rely on the library-provided resources - which are standard tools used in their respective fields, vetted by experts, and used routinely by your faculty members -.to complete any research project. Remember that research is time consuming, so leave plenty of time to conduct research and read and evaluate the information you find. The chart below can help you decide how to approach your topic.

If you... ...then do this...
...are new the the research process, haven't researched in a long time, or have only a general, broad idea of what you want to research...
...have some experience researching and would like to use resources that are specific to your area of study instead of general purpose and multidisciplinary resources...
  • Read the Databases List guide to learn how to select the databases that cover only your specific discipline.
  • Review the Advanced Search Screens in Library Databases guide to upskill your search techniques. 
  • Watch the Searching with Wildcards video which helps you learn some advanced search tricks to improve your searches in library databases. The video was created for use with EBSCO databases but the strategies work with most library databases.
  • Read the relevant Research Guide for extra tips about searching in your discipline.
...know exactly what resources you want to access, and have the complete publication information for...
...find reference to an article or book chapter that you want to access, but it's not free and you don't think that the library owns it...
...need access to a print book...
  • Check WorldCat to see if you can get a print book from a library near you. Depending on where you live, some academic libraries may offer limited borrowing privileges for community members. 
...have found some research material and now need to figure out if it's worth using...
...are working on a dissertation...