Welcome to the Uga Library Guide, your comprehensive resource for mastering research quickly and efficiently. The University of Georgia Library is a vast repository of knowledge, offering a wide range of resources, services, and expert assistance to support your academic and research endeavors. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or researcher, this guide is designed to help you navigate the library's extensive collections, services, and tools, and provide you with the skills and strategies needed to conduct effective research.
Introduction to the Uga Library
The Uga Library is a state-of-the-art research facility that provides access to over 5 million volumes, 100,000 journals, and numerous databases, e-books, and digital collections. The library’s main campus is located in the heart of the University of Georgia, with additional branches and facilities throughout the state. The library’s mission is to provide innovative and responsive services, collections, and spaces that promote academic excellence, foster intellectual curiosity, and support the research and scholarship needs of the University community.
Library Services and Resources
The Uga Library offers a wide range of services and resources to support your research needs, including:
- Research assistance from expert librarians and staff
- Access to over 500 databases, including JSTOR, EBSCO, and ProQuest
- A vast collection of e-books, journals, and digital media
- Interlibrary loan and document delivery services
- Study spaces, collaboration rooms, and technology-equipped classrooms
- Workshops, tutorials, and instruction sessions on research skills and tools
The library's website is a valuable resource, providing access to the online catalog, research guides, and subject-specific resources. The website also features a range of tools and services, including:
| Tool/Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Library Catalog | Search for books, journals, and other materials in the library's collection |
| Research Guides | Subject-specific guides to resources, databases, and research strategies |
| Database A-Z | Alphabetical list of databases available through the library |
| Interlibrary Loan | Request materials not available in the library's collection |
Research Strategies and Skills
Conducting effective research requires a range of skills and strategies, including:
Defining a research question is a critical step in the research process. A well-defined question will help you focus your search and ensure that you're looking for relevant information. Critical thinking is also essential, as it enables you to evaluate sources, identify biases, and make informed decisions about the information you find.
Searching and Evaluating Sources
Once you have a research question, you’ll need to search for relevant sources. The Uga Library provides access to a wide range of databases, including academic journals, newspapers, and primary sources. When evaluating sources, consider factors such as:
- Authority: Is the author an expert in the field?
- Relevance: Is the source relevant to your research question?
- Objectivity: Is the source biased or objective?
- Date: Is the source up-to-date or outdated?
It's also important to consider the peer-review process, which ensures that sources have been critically evaluated by experts in the field. The Uga Library provides access to a range of peer-reviewed journals and databases, including JSTOR and EBSCO.
What is the difference between a scholarly article and a popular article?
+A scholarly article is a peer-reviewed article written by an expert in the field, typically published in an academic journal. A popular article, on the other hand, is written for a general audience and may not be peer-reviewed. Scholarly articles are generally more in-depth and provide more detailed analysis and research than popular articles.
How do I evaluate the credibility of a source?
+To evaluate the credibility of a source, consider factors such as authority, relevance, objectivity, and date. You should also consider the peer-review process and look for sources that have been critically evaluated by experts in the field.
Citing and Managing Sources
Citing sources is an essential part of the research process, as it enables you to acknowledge the work of others and avoid plagiarism. The Uga Library provides access to a range of citation management tools, including EndNote, Zotero, and Mendeley. These tools enable you to organize and format your sources, as well as generate bibliographies and citations.
Best Practices for Citation Management
When managing sources, it’s essential to follow best practices, including:
- Keeping track of sources as you research
- Using a citation management tool to organize and format sources
- Consulting style guides, such as MLA or APA, for guidance on citation format
- Double-checking citations for accuracy and consistency
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your sources are accurately cited and that you avoid plagiarism. The Uga Library offers workshops and instruction sessions on citation management and plagiarism prevention, which can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
