Get to Know Your Library: 5 Tips for New Aggies
How are you settling into fall quarter, Aggies? If you’re new to UC Davis and haven’t had a chance to visit Shields Library, now is a great time to come by. Today we’re sharing five ways you can get to know and use our services to support your coursework and research projects. Even seasoned library users can pick up a few tips!
1. Start Here
Our Getting Started page gives you a quick overview of core library tools, how to connect with our digital resources and tips for citations and writing. Check it out before you start your next research assignment!
2. Use Research Guides to Jumpstart Your Research Process
Our librarian-curated research guides should be the first place you go when you’re starting an assignment or project. Consider them a “research-hack” — helpful summaries of reference materials, books, journal articles, databases, statistics, and historical and primary sources available in every UC Davis academic subject area. There are also guides on topics like Citation Styles and Government Information.
3. Got Questions? Just Ask!
Have a question about library services or where to find something? Stop by our Welcome Desk, located in the lobby of Shields Library, and get answers from student peers. Our librarians are also here to help you! You can book an appointment to speak with a librarian with expertise in your academic area.
4.Take a Workshop and Level Up Your Research Skills
Our librarians offer a variety of research workshops at Shields Library throughout the year. Read our workshop descriptions to see where you could brush up your skills, whether it’s using the UC Library Search catalog or research databases to find materials, or learning how to keep track of your sources and cite them properly.
5. Get Free Stuff: News and Streaming Services
As an Aggie, you can get free digital access to news from The New York Times and The Economist, and streaming video and music services through the library’s licensed subscriptions. Learn how to connect from off campus.