Research
Frequently asked questions
I'm having problems with library research for a class. Where can I get help?
The guides and tutorials page is a great place to start.
Looking for individual guidance? Our information experts provide research help via email, 24/7 chat, telephone, and in person.
Want to go into more depth? Cal undergrads can sign up online for a free 30-minute Research Advisory Service appointment.
Where can I find information on citation styles?
The citing sources page gives a rundown of the major citation styles, with links to detailed guides on the APA, MLA, and Chicago formats.
I'm an alum or a member of the public. Are there any online resources I can use for research from off campus?
The guide Freely Available Resources for Research is an introduction to some of the many free resources for research available online.
How can I find a librarian who specializes in my subject area?
Please see our list of subject librarians.
Can I use Zotero to save citations from UC Library Search?
When you want to capture a reference in Zotero from a library catalog such as UC Library Search:
- After completing your search, click on the full record of the item so that it is fully displayed on the page as a single entity.
- Open Zotero. Three large windows will appear. The first at the far left contains your library collections (where you create and store file folders). The second is where individual references or "titles" are displayed. The third is where the elements of the citation are displayed, and also offers the opportunity to annotate citations.
- To add a citation, go to the URL box at the top of the page. If it’s a book, you should notice a tiny blue book icon located after the URL. Other icons appear for different media.
- Click on that icon and the citation will automatically appear in the far right field of Zotero.
Visit the Zotero site for documentation, support, and tutorials. Or check out the Zotero Library Guide.
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Help
Digital Collections provides online access to UC Berkeley Library’s rare and unique digitized special collections, books, manuscripts, images, photographs, newspapers, and more.
Visit our Course reserves page for instructions regarding the Library’s service that provides students with free versions of materials required for their classes.
Search and browse our list of databases, where you can find collections of articles, e-books, digitized primary sources, statistical sources, and more.
Find data, GIS, and scientific data services and software offered by the Library and other UC Berkeley campus facilities.
Visit our Research help page for help finding (and citing) articles, books and e-books, and audio and video materials.
Librarian experts have created these research guides to help you find resources and services by subject, course, and topic at UC Berkeley.
Scholarly Communication Services helps scholars use, create, and publish scholarship in ways that promote its dissemination, accessibility, and impact.
Visit our Teaching + learning page to find tools for instructors; browse workshops and events; learn about the Library’s fellowship program for undergraduates; and level up your digital literacy skills.