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DIY Tutorials

Watch these videos at your own pace to learn more about library topics, research skills, and resources.

Library Basics

Reserve a Collaborative Work Room
Looking for a collaborative meeting space? Collaborative Work Rooms can be reserved through the EMS Room Reservation System. (2:23)
Finding ebooks
Learn how to locate ebooks (electronic books) in UC Library Search, the Library's catalog. (1:52)
Library Orientation Video
Welcome aboard! Discover how the UC Merced Library supports your academic success by joining us for this unexpected tour of the library.  Prepare for both likely and unlikely events as you begin...

Full listing of Library Basics DIY tutorials

Research Skills: Introductory

Finding Databases
Discover how to find databases for your research using UC Merced Library's A-Z Databases listing. (1:20)
Find a Known Item
Use citation information (e.g. author, article title, journal title etc.) to find the full-text of that known item using a search tool like Google Scholar or UC Library Search. 
HTML version
Starting Your Research Series
This tutorial series includes eight sections:Information Privilege & Accessing InformationUnderstanding the Information CycleDeveloping a Research QuestionFinding & Selecting...

Full listing of Research Skills: Introductory DIY tutorials

Research Skills: Advanced

Using Credo Reference
Credo Reference is a collection of searchable online reference books including specialized encyclopedias.  This is an excellent resource for readable, background information.  This tutorial...
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Using CREDO Reference to Locate Background Information for a Disciplinary Field
Learn how CREDO Reference can help you locate important background information on a variety of topics. (3:11)
Using Citations Trails to Find MORE Resources
Use an article's citations trails to find more information related to your research. Look for citation trails in Web of Science, Google Scholar, and UC Library Search.

Full listing of Research Skills: Advanced DIY tutorials

Resources & Tools

Using Sociological Abstracts
Through this tutorial you will learn how to access Sociological Abstracts to successfully limit results and access the full-text of articles and generate ASA citations.  
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Finding Empirical Studies in PsycINFO
PsycINFO is a psychology database that you can use to find empirical articles (articles that report on original research).
HTML version
Using Zotero to Manage Your Research
Learn how to use Zotero to organize your research, make citations in many styles, annotate, and use the plug-ins to connect Zotero directly to Microsoft Word and GoogleDocs. (50:00)Originally...
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Full listing of Resources & Tools DIY tutorials