Getting Started
Finding credible, relevant sources is a critical step in completing any research assignment.
Finding Resources
We offer access to millions of resources in our book collections, databases, archives and more. Searching the right source will return relevant results fast, ensure that you have access to our paid subscriptions, and that you are using quality resources suitable for academic work.
Learn how to create an effective search strategy to find the resources you need.
Where to Search
- Library Searchbox
- Searches almost everything that UNE Libraries owns or subscribes to, including articles, books, videos and more. This is the place to start a search if you want the broadest possible results. The almost is because some databases require individual accounts or use special filters that this search cannot access.
- Library Catalog
- Search books and DVDs that you can borrow in the libraries as well as e-books and streaming video. Use this search if are looking for a specific title.
- Textbooks & Course Reserves
- Required textbooks and other readings for your classes. For undergraduate courses search by your course number or professor’s name. For graduate programs, search by program name.
- Research Databases
- Research database may give you more advanced search options, specific filters, and more control over your search results. A specialized database in your subject area or discipline will contain only results relevant to your topic.
- Research by Subject
- Choose your program, major or field of study for the best databases and other resources relevant to your subject, program or discipline.
- UNE Publications
- Find research, artwork, theses and dissertations, and other publications created by UNE students, faculty, and staff in DUNE:Digital UNE.
- Archival Materials
- Find primary sources archival materials, and other unique resources in UNE’s archives and special collections. Primary Sources are original documents, photographs, recordings, and other objects that provide a first-hand view of the topic under study.
- What about Google Scholar?
- Google offers a search engine for academic research: Google Scholar. Google Scholar isn’t our first recommendation because it does not vet journals for quality and because it lacks some of the features that make research databases powerful tools. Learn more about using Google Scholar.
Free Interlibrary Loan
If you are not able to find something you are looking for, you can request it for free through Interlibrary Loan.
MaineCat is a shared statewide library catalog where you can request books and videos to be delivered to campus.
UNE Interlibary Loan can be used to request almost anything; electronic items like articles and book chapters will be sent as PDFs, physical items like books will arrive by mail for you to pick up in the library.
Evaluate Sources
Evaluating and choosing quality sources is an important step in every research project. Make sure that you are following your instructor’s directions on the types of resources that are acceptable for your assignment. Learn how to determine if a source is considered scholarly or peer-reviewed.
Logging In
Use your UNE ID to log into nearly all library resources and to access your library account to manage and renew items you have borrowed.
Look up your UNE ID in U-Online .
If you are having trouble logging in to library resources, contact Digital Access Librarian Bethany Kenyon for help.
Manage & Format Citations
RefWorks can help you manage your sources, create in-text citations and reference lists in Microsoft Word and Google Docs, and collaborate easily with others. Learn more about using RefWorks in this video tutorial series.
We also have citation style guides in the formats most frequently used at UNE.
Questions & Help
If you have questions on this, or another, topic, contact a librarian for help!
SASC
UNE’s Student Academic Success Center can help you with grammar, writing style, drafting, revision, polishing your work.