Research Support

OneSearch is a search tool that brings together most library resources to be discovered using a single search. Search results include books, e-books, journal articles, videos, government documents, maps, music scores, and more. Be sure to login to your library account for full access. For help with OneSearch, explore the OneSearch research guide containing tips and tutorials.

Databases provide access to electronic resources including scholarly journals, popular magazines, newspapers, e-books, images, audio files, videos, primary sources, reviews, facts & figures, and more. Most include full-text access. Some databases are subject-specific, while others are broad in coverage. They help focus your search by subject area and are ideal for in-depth research on complex topics.

For database help and more information, please see the subject databases tutorial Many of the library’s research guides include relevant database information. Each database has built-in help and tutorials.

CWU librarians maintain numerous research guides to provide targeted information on academic disciplines, topics, or courses. Each research guide lists resources such as key databases, full-text sources, how-to guides, and other websites pertaining to the subject.

Find videos and tutorials on our YouTube channel about using library resources, supporting the research process, oral histories, and library programs and events.

As students and scholars, it is imperative that we give credit to researchers whose work we are using in our research and assignments. Citation management enables you to import, store, organize, and share your citations and to format your bibliographies into whatever style you need. The library has a research guide on Citation Styles & Tools, which covers the most common citation styles (APA, MLA, and Chicago/Turabian) as well as information on several citation tools. You can easily generate citations from library databases and OneSearch.

For assistance on the writing process, students can also use the Academic Success Center’s writing resources and review Digital Citizenship to avoid plagiarism in their work and understand appropriate use of sources.

Earn credit and improve your research skills at the same time! Take one or both of our library courses to improve your research skills. Both are offered asynchronously online and available every quarter.

• LIS 110 Research Fundamentals (1 credit) - Designed for students new to research at the college level. Course explores knowledge of information sources, more effective searching technique, and familiarity of services for researchers.
• LIS 245 Research Methods in the Digital Age (4 credits) - This course examines methods of information gathering and sharing in academic and social environments. Students explore applications of the research process, learn strategies for identifying and synthesizing information, and discuss research influences on scholarly conversations. Formerly LIS 345, students may not receive credit for both.

Get personalized help from CWU Libraries. Schedule a research appointment to arrange a meeting via Zoom or in person. We are available to help with any aspect of research for your academic assignments including deciding on a topic, developing search strategies, finding and evaluating information, and organizing your research. If you need help immediately, send us a chat message or consult a research guide.

We also offer one-on-one research appointments with Peer Research Consultants (PRCs), who are CWU graduate students with strong academic records trained to assist their fellow students with research projects and papers.

Ask Here for your one-stop destination for communicating with CWU Libraries and getting help with any of your library and information needs.

Throughout the year, the library offers sessions to improve your researching skills. Popular workshops have included:

• Misinformation and Malarkey: Strategies for Understanding What You’re Reading
• Google and Google Scholar: Tips, Tricks, and Tools
• Mendeley, Zotero, and Other Citations Magic
• Hidden Gems of Primary Sources

Find out what’s offered and register for workshops through our events calendar.