Graduate-Level Research: Services, Resources and Tips

The following are general tips to help as you develop your dissertation proposal and prepare for oral exams and thesis defense.

• Search for books on a topic in the UCLA Library Catalog or UC Library Search, which includes holdings from all 10 UC campuses.
• Use the subject headings links in catalog records.
• Use the Request link in UC Library Search, the  button in article databases or the Interlibrary Loan Service to obtain items UCLA doesn't own.
• Submit a purchase recommendation to request that the Library buy an item.
• Visit the Graduate Writing Center at the UCLA Graduate Student Resource Center.
• Use bibliographic software, e.g. EndNote, Endnote Basic or Zotero, to create and maintain a working bibliography of references. Many article databases can format citations; attend an upcoming Library Workshop.
• Cite sources ethically and accurately – Bruin Success With Less Stress; Avoiding Plagiarism
• Consultations with real librarians; find subject specialists and make an appointment.
• Alternatively, use email reference service. You can specify to which library the question will go, to ensure the subject expertise you need; approximately 48 hours turnaround.