History: Getting Started With Library Research
Your Librarian
Welcome!
Welcome to the UMass History Research Guide!
We have many resources and services available for you to use!
This guide will help you with getting started with research, finding study spaces, finding library events and workshops, and getting help!
You can also contact History Librarian Kate Freedman for research consultations, reference questions, assignment assistance, or if you have any questions about information you find on this guide using the email and appointment booking link in the profile box below. For more options for help (including chat and more), see the link below.
What’s Available on This Guide?
The sections on the left (or above if you're on mobile) have more information about the following topics:
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Using Discovery Search |
If you’re looking for a few items for your research or want to get a sense of what might be available on a topic, Discovery Search is a great place! It searches the physical materials held at the UMass Amherst Libraries, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College and Smith College, as well as some of the 600+ databases that the Libraries subscribe to for research. |
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Using Databases |
If you’re looking for more in-depth and specific research, this section is a good place to start! We have over 600+ databases and many of them contain articles from journals, magazines, newspapers and more! |
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Find Print Books and Print Materials |
Looking for physical items that you can hold in your hands? This section can help! |
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Find eBooks |
Interested in finding eBooks that you can access from nearly anywhere? This section can show you all the ways to access eBooks! |
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Find Primary Sources |
Looking for primary sources? Use this section to search for archival materials, newspapers, images, maps, videos, and more. |
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Research Interdisciplinary Topics |
Many education topics are interdisciplinary, and you’ll be able to find relevant research by searching in other fields such as Literature and Sociology. Use this section to find helpful resources in other disciplines. |
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Access Materials at Other Libraries |
Don’t pay for materials! If we don’t have it, we can usually borrow it from another library! Use this section to request materials from other libraries. |
| Evaluate Information | How do you know if what you've found is valid? Use this section to learn about three different methods for evaluating what you've found when researching. |
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Format and Manage Citations |
Trying to manage your research? Check out this section to learn how to use Zotero to capture citations and organize your research. |
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Reserve Library Spaces |
Need space? Use this section to find reservable spaces include 4-Hour Individual Carrels, Group Study Rooms, Sound Rooms, and more! |
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Library Workshops and Events |
The Libraries offer workshops on many topics such as data management, podcasting, and creating historical maps using GIS. Check this section to see the calendar of things available for you! |
| Get Help | Help! If you’re stuck on any aspect of your research or you want to find out if the Libraries have a specific service to any question at all, click on this section to find out where to get help! |
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News and Updates |
Our collections and services are always changing! Bookmark this page or provide your email address to get notified about history-related news and updates! |
