Reference is the place to begin library research. For example, in reference you can find encyclopedias and dictionaries; hard-to-find facts; up-to-date maps; telephone numbers and addresses for government agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses; and information on how to do citations. Reference books provide background for research topics, dates of events, brief biographies and literary criticism. Reference sources also list, in guides developed by those familiar with the field, the most useful and current books and articles for your research. Reference offers the latest in online, Web-based tools for finding books and articles, college catalogs and electronic books as well as for searching the Web.
Reference librarians provide help in finding and using research tools and in designing research strategies. Staff offer in-person help with research, library classes, and subject research guides. For help with your research, stop by the library, call us at 207.621.3349, or get in touch with us using the icons below for online chat or email.
Off-Campus Library Services offers support to students, faculty and staff participating in distance learning.
Online research guides are available in many subject areas and also as course-specific guides: http://umalibguides.uma.edu/guides.
Library instruction classes scheduled during class time help students learn how to do library research. Librarians work closely with faculty in designing course-related classes (to facilitate class planning, faculty should request sessions at least one week in advance). In these sessions, students learn about research tools and the use of online databases for finding books, articles, and Web sites. Faculty may schedule a class by contacting a librarian at 207.621.3349 or visiting the library.
