U of A Library Search Guide
- U of A Library Search GuideLearn how to use Search the Library, locate print books, and more.
Do you have feedback about this guide? Let us know!
For all other questions, Ask Us.
Find the Type of Information You Need
It is important to know what kind of information will be the most helpful for you as you start to look for it. Do you need to provide researched evidence to prove an idea true or false? Are you trying to find community organizations that work in the field you want to write about?
Consider the different types of information sources, what their purpose is, and what you need the information in your sources to say.
If you don't know much about a topic, start with general or background information sources and then look for more specific information sources.
Adapted from Find by Norquest College Library, which is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 International.
Finding Specific Books and Articles
Learn how to find specific items using the "Search the Library" box on the library homepage.
Searching for Information on a Topic
Learn how to search for books and articles using the search box on the library homepage. For guidance on how to combine search terms, see Boolean Search Tips.
For subject-specific databases and specialized resources, use our Subject Guides and A-Z Databases list.
Finding Specific Books and Articles and Searching for Information on a Topic (interactive slides) are from Library Research Skills for First Year Seminar Students by Kara Blizzard, which is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International.