Resource Guide for Beginning Researchers
Welcome to VCU Libraries!
One of the most important parts of your undergraduate experience is the opportunity to conduct research in an academic library. VCU Libraries is dedicated to helping you succeed from your first day of class to the completion of your academic career and beyond. With a wide variety of digital and print collections, spaces designated for different study styles, and expert staff that can help you locate, evaluate and cite the best information for your research assignments -- we are your made-to-order study partner!
We invite you to explore all of the resources described below and to attend library workshops and events. Please Ask a Librarian if we can help to improve your library experience in any way.
Getting Started at the
James Branch Cabell Library
On your first visit, the Cabell Library may seem large and intimidating, but you will find that library staff are enthusiastic about helping you find information either in person, over the Web, by telephone, or via e-mail. Your options for asking for help are summarized on our Ask a Librarian page.
Librarians at Your Service: Tours and Workshops
We recommend that you take one of our Cabell (pronounced like "rabble") Library Orientation Tours to meet one of our librarians and learn your way around the building. These brief, 30-minute tours are offered during Welcome Week. Exact dates and times are listed on the VCU Calendar of Events. If the offered tours don't fit your schedule, just request a tour from the Ask a Librarian E-mail Form.
VCU Libraries also offers Research Survival Workshops throughout the semester to coincide with your research assignments. Librarians teach one-hour sessions that focus on search techniques for the VCU Libraries Catalog, locating journal articles using Academic Search Complete, and locating material within the libraries. See the VCU Calendar of Events for dates and times (all sessions are held in the Library Instruction Classroom on the 3rd floor of Cabell Library).
Learn Online: Tutorials, Podcasts and Guides
- Getting Started with your Research
- This guide walks you step-by-step through the basic research process with resources to help you along the way.
- The COMPASS: tools for smarter research - The Compass is a collection of learning tools designed to improve research skills. Featured videos from the Comass:
- Resource Guides
- How Do I...
- Choosing a Research Paper Topic
- Sharpen your Study Skills
- Learn How to Cite your Sources
That's what we're here for! Librarians are available
to help you navigate any part of the research process, and we're
only a click away. Just look for the "Ask a Librarian" logo
to connect with someone who's ready to help!