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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

Connecting to Library Resources: The Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Discover why the Virtual Private Network (VPN) is important for your library research and where you can locate VPN download information.
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)
Using UC Library Search
Learn how to navigate UC Library Search, the Library's new catalog for locating books, eBooks, articles, newspapers and more. (6:17)

Full listing of Library Basics DIY tutorials

Research Skills: Introductory

PubMed: Intro to Basic Searching Tutorial
In this interactive tutorial, you will practice searching for information in the PubMed database. 
HTML version
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
Finding Databases
Discover how to find databases for your research using UC Merced Library's A-Z Databases listing. (1:20)

Full listing of Research Skills: Introductory DIY tutorials

Research Skills: Advanced

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 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...
HTML version
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 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...
HTML version
Academic Search Complete
Academic Search Complete is a great database to use as you start your research. Learn how you can use it to access a wide range of materials.
HTML version
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.  
HTML version

Full listing of Resources & Tools DIY tutorials