Getting Started
New to library research or just need a refresher? This page walks undergraduate students through the core things needed to start a research project or assignment — from defining a topic and finding sources, to accessing and citing them correctly.
UC Library Search
Search and borrow materials from the UC Davis Library and the entire UC System.
Learn how to:
Databases
Specialized search engines — general or subject-specific — for journals, newspapers, videos, music, and more.
Research Guides
Curated by UC Davis librarians, these guides summarize:
- Key reference materials
- Books and journal articles
- Databases
- Statistics
- Historical and primary sources
Health Sciences Resources
Key library resources and contacts for your animal and human health-related research and studies.
Archives and Special Collections
Explore rare and historical primary source materials.
Interlibrary Loan
Request and borrow books and articles from another library.
We can help you!
Visit the Welcome Desk
Located in the Shields Library lobby, our student staff can help you with:
- Directions
- Event and workshop information
- A quick book look-up
- General library questions
- Librarian referrals
Meet with a Librarian
Our librarians offer expert research assistance in person and online:
- Refine your research topic
- Optimize your search strategies
- Access research databases and datasets
- Explore Archives and Special Collections to find primary sources
- Track and cite your sources