We know that finding and assessing information online for your coursework and research can get overwhelming at times, and we’re here to help. Research guides, or sometimes called library guides, are created for you by librarians who are experts in the information available in their specific fields. We create these guides to help you navigate the vast resources available through IU Libraries. These guides feature curated lists of databases and helpful tips to find what you need within them.
Use Library Research Guides
When to use a Library Research Guide
Our expert librarians create guides for all levels of researchers. They can help guide you through where to look and how to find resources for your next project. Use one of our research guides next time you are
- exploring a new or unfamiliar topic
- identifying resources for research projects
- completing a course assignment requiring scholarly sources
Explore our Library Research Guides
Library Research Guide Types
Course Guides are built in collaboration with instructors who teach your courses. They’re made to help you reach the goals of the course. Often these guides have key advice you might not cover in class, such as how and where to search for scholarly information to cite in your work. When appropriate, these guides can show you how to evaluate the validity information you find on the open web.
Topical & General Purpose Guides can range from large interdisciplinary topics that span multiple programs to specific topics you might encounter throughout your academic journey. Topic guides focus primarily on library resources related to this topic, but they can include a variety of resources and tips on evaluating the information you find there.
Subject Guides are associated with specific programs here at IU Bloomington. They contain curated lists of databases, books, and at times, key articles in a field. Subject guides can be organized by type of resource you’ll find information, or by specific topics related to the discipline.
How To Guides help you learn how to use a tool or get the most out of a specific database. These guides contain step by step instruction on how to complete different tasks that aren't always intuitive to navigate or how to use features you might not be aware of .