Want a step-by-step guide through the process of finding sources? Watch these videos:
You have access to millions of print and electronic resources through U of T Libraries. Since there is so much at your fingertips, it is important you know how to locate what you need effectively, and how to manage your sources once you have found the right ones.
The subsections below will help you through the process:
Sometimes you need to search everything, but sometimes you are looking for very specific kinds of sources. Make sure you choose the right tool for the job!
You can access the Library's central search interface, LibrarySearch, through the search box on the UTM Library website. This powerful system will allow you to search most physical and electronic items available through the Libraries. Most of the instruction in the subsections listed above use the LibrarySearch system.
LibrarySearch is a powerful tool, but the number of sources it retrieves can be overwhelming, so building a powerful search is very important unless you want to look through thousands (or millions) of results!
U of T Libraries subscribes to hundreds of databases, most organized around specific disciplines, topics, or formats. Using a database helps you focus your research to sources in your subject, and many have unique advanced features.
Check out the Articles tab in your course guide for recommended databases to get started.
If you have a very specific topic, then you may want to limit your searches to specific publications that deal with that topic. Take the time to get to know some of the most influential journals in your discipline, or check out the Articles tab in your course guide for some recommendations.