Getting started with research
SDSU Library Research Tutor is an online tutorial that will help you with determining your topic; finding information; evaluating information; and citing information.
Finding books
Search tips for finding materials in the library's online catalog, as well as how to physically locate books in the library.
Looking for textbooks?
Want to read an eBook? Our eBook research guide has a link to the eBooks listed in our online catalog, plus a list of both SDSU subscriptions and free eBook collections. It also has information on eBooks available at the City of San Diego Public Library and the San Diego County Library.
To find audiobooks in the library, try an LC subject search for "audiobooks" in our online catalog. This will bring up a list of CDs and tape cassettes in our collection. Most will be located in the Media Center. You can also take a look at our Multimedia research guide for information on digital recordings and podcasts. If you're looking for popular fiction in audioformat, your best bet is to try either the City of San Diego Public Library or the San Diego County Library.
Need books from other libraries? Use the Circuit, Link+, or interlibrary loan services. Also, take a look at our list of online catalogs from other libraries.
Finding articles (especially peer-reviewed and scholarly ones)
Tips on finding a specific article, a specific journal, journal articles on a topic, print copies of journals in the library, and what to do when the library doesn't own the journal you want.
An explanation of peer-reviewed, scholarly articles.
Some of our article databases offer online tutorials which teach search strategies.
Research help by subject
Librarians have created research guides in over one hundred subject areas. These guides list the best places to search for information. For instance, if you need peer-reviewed articles in the area of psychology, the articles tab of the psychology research guide has a link to the PsycINFO article database.
We also have research guides by type, if you're looking for things like dissertations, primary sources, book reviews, etc.
Research help for select courses
Our course support pages contain resources specific to select courses such as COMM 103 and RWS 100.
Research help for Special Collections materials
Watch a video introducing you to the Reading Room in Special Collections and University Archives and an online tutorial about using finding aids to access archival and manuscript materials.
Evaluating information
Tips on evaluating information in books, articles, and websites.
Help with citing sources
Find out how to cite your sources in your paper using citation styles such as MLA, APA, and Chicago.
Ask a librarian for research help
We can help you in person, by phone, by text, by 24/7 online chat, or by skype (from the workstation on the 4th floor of Love Library).
You can also set up an appointment with a librarian specializing in your subject area.
