University of Massachusetts Amherst Subject Research Guides - Geography

Research Tips Videos

These short (<5 minute) videos can help you get going with library research. These videos have soundtracks. Captioning is available--just click the CC button at the bottom of the viewer.

Videos are still being added--check this page for updates!

Research: Where to start?

(3:34) Academic research is different from other types of information seeking. Learn where to locate the best information on your research topic.
Choosing the right database

(1:54) Which of the 300+ databases available to you through the UMass Amherst Libraries is the best one for your search? This video will help you figure it out.
Looking for articles

(4:03) Learn how to make the most of the Libraries' databases to find the best articles on your topic.
Thinking like a database

(4:11) Have you ever typed a search into a database only to see the dreaded words “no results found”? This video will teach you to think like a database and pull out the best articles on your topic.
What's a peer-reviewed or refereed journal?

Learn what peer review is and why it matters when you're evaluating information.