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Expert Research Help from IUB Libraries

Refer to this Research Tips pdf handout or read below for some handy search tips

Top Ten Research Tips

  1. OneSearch@IU
    OneSearch@IU searches almost everything IU Libraries has access too. This includes books, ebooks, articles, news, videos, and more. This is a great way to get an idea of the information out there on a subject. Go to https://libraries.indiana.edu/resources/onesearch
  2. IUCAT
    IUCAT is the Libraries online catalog. Locate items from our collection such as books, ebook, videos, and print publications. If you find a book you want, have IUCAT text you the call number so you can locate it in the stacks
  3. Ask a Librarian!
    Having a hard time finding sources for a paper? Email, chat online (see the chat box on this page), or talk to a librarian in person for help at any stage of your research. In-person assistance is available in the East and West towers on the main floor of Wells library
  4. Interlibrary Loan
    Need materials not available in IU Libraries? Use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to request materials from other libraries. It's totally free! https://libraries.indiana.edu/interlibrary-loan
  5. Films and Videos
    Search for videos in the libraries' collection with IUCAT. Search by title, author, or keyword and choose a format such as "Streaming Video" or "DVD". Find the call number for the item and bring it to Media Services (Wells ground floor). We have movies that are just for fun in addition to the academic collection
  6. Textbooks
    The IU Libraries do not typically have textbooks unless your professor has put on one reserve for you class. These can be borrowed from ____________
  7. Where to Study Quietly
    In Wells Library, you can find a quiet place to study in the West Tower on the 2nd and 3rd floors, or in the East Tower on floors 4-10. The Reference Reading Room, in the 1st floor of the East Tower, is also a quiet study space and has lots of windows
  8. Group Study Rooms
    Wells Library has several group study rooms on the 1st and 4th floors of West Tower, available by appointment and first-come/first-serve depending on the time of day. There are study rooms in the East Tower on the 1st floor available first-come/first-serve unless reserved by graduate students. 
  9. Citing Sources
    IUCAT and many databases have "Cite" buttons that shows citations for a source in common styles such as MLA, APA, and Chicago. These citations are sometimes incorrect so it is smart to refer to the library's citation guides or find an online citation generator you trust.
  10. Libraries on Campus
    There are many libraries across campus. Except for Wells Library, most specialize in a specific subject area (business, education, sciences). The library website has a full list of all the libraries on campus.