Conducting Library Research

To find articles, you may use general, multidisciplinary indexes, such as Ebsco's Academic Search Complete, or you may use discipline-specific indexes that focus on a narrower subject area. Connect to all databases from the Library Main Page. Choose “Online Resources/Databases,” then either “Databases A-Z” or “Databases by Subject.”  Most of these databases may be accessed from off-campus; doing so requires logging in with a User ID and password.  For assistance, see the Accessing Library Resources from Off-Campus Page. Use Electronic Journal Search to determine whether or not the library provides access to a journal, either in electronic or print format.

Conducting research often requires the use of peer-reviewed, or “refereed” publications.  These journals are more scholarly than popular magazines.  To learn more about peer-reviewed journals, click here.

All McNair students receive support for library services such as photocopying, copying from microform, laser prints, and charges for online searches.

Photocopies and Laser Prints - $16.00 initial value. You will receive a copy card (valued at $1.00) with $15.00 credit on the card. If you find that $15.00 is not sufficient for your copying needs, you may request additional funding from the McNair office. If your request is approved, the McNair office will contact Kim Anthes in Library Services. You will then go to the Circulation Desk with your picture ID and your copy card to have additional value added. This card may be used for photocopiers and for the laser printers in Reference and the Computer Commons.

It is a good idea to write your name and “McNair” in permanent marker on the back of your copy card.

Microform Copies - $10.00 Go to the Reference Desk and tell the worker that you are a McNair student. He or she will check to be sure your name appears on the McNair list and give you the key to make microform copies. You may make up to $10.00 of copies as a McNair student. When you return the key, the Reference worker will record the number of copies made.

Online Searches - $30.00 – Most McNair students will not need this service, as the library's online databases typically are sufficient for research needs. If you do need a mediated online search, please check with Linda Medaris, JCKL 2452, or Marian Davis, JCKL 1135.

Interlibrary Loans – There is no charge for most interlibrary loan transactions for UCM students. Some items (such as doctoral dissertations) are quite expensive and are not supplied for free. If you find that you require a dissertation, please check with the McNair office about requesting additional funding for interlibrary loan costs.