Honors Seminar 1: Ideas That Changed the WorldThis is a library and online research guide for theCommonwealth Honors Seminar, Honors 291A. Here are resources and research tips that will be especially useful for researching topics related to this semester's readings. Students and instructors are invited to use the comments feature on this site in order to share your own research tips and opinions with others in the Commonwealth Honors Seminar. |
![]() |
TIP: When you look for a particular book on the shelf, make sure to browse the shelf and nearby shelves for related books. Take your time! Open the books!
To find books at UMass Amherst, you have two options:
Try out these databases, comment on them and rate them too! Over 300 research databases are available through the UMass Amherst Libraries. Here are a few that will be especially useful.
Use a citation manager, such as RefWorks to keep track of your research.
Put all your references in RefWorks, create quick and easy bibliographies, build your knowledgebase.
1. Set up your account by clicking on the RefWorks link on the library homepage. From the RefWorks info page, choose "RefWorks Login & New Account Set up." From the login page, choosse "New to RefWorks? - Sign up for an Individual Account." Note: You get to choose your own username and password - make them easy to remember!
2. Get your book citations into RefWorks
Books from UMA WorldCat (a huge combined catalog that includes UMass books)
Books from the Five College Catalog
3. Get your journal article citations into RefWorks
Most databases have a way to export citations into RefWorks directly.
4. Print out your bibliography
1. Click on Bibliography from the menu toolbar.
2. Select Output Style (APA, MLA, etc.) .
3. Select Format a Bibliography from a List of References
4. Select File type to Create (HTML, Word, or text file)
5. Select the Folder from which the citations are to be taken.
6. Click Create Bibliography.
7. Follow the instructions for viewing the file. Remember to save the document before closing.
Be sure to check the list for accuracy!
If you need more help or info on RefWorks, check out the FAQs.