Library Services

What is a research guide?

Research (or subject) guides are resources created by librarians to highlight particular information and sources that may be particularly useful when researching a particular topic. Included are suggested books (both physical and digital), the most useful databases to search for articles, and suggested keywords to help you in your search(es). They provide a good starting point, especially if it's an unfamiliar subject.

How to use a research guide?

Find the guide for the subject you are interested in. Use the left-hand tabs to explore:

• Starting Points: This section lists pertinent sub-fields, keywords to help with your searches, Library of Congress (LoC) classifications to tell you where to find books about the subject on the library shelves.
• Books & Background: This section provides examples of texts that are available through the library, both physical materials and digital resources.
• Databases & Journals: Listed are databases that are particularly useful for finding articles focused on the subject of interest. Included are open-access journals that are available for free use online.
• Web Resources: This section includes websites for both general information about a subject and those that pertain to specific sub-fields.
• Citing Sources: This section provides links and guidelines for citing your sources in several of the styles that may be assigned, such as MLA, APA, and CMOS.

It is also recommended that you check the Related Guides that are listed on the Starting Points page; these are subjects that have considerable overlap in concepts and/or materials and are worth checking out.

The librarians at WNC have compiled these research guides listing the best location tools for finding databases, articles, books, and videos on that topic.

WNC librarians are highly skilled in research with library science degrees and they welcome your requests.  

They can help you locate articles and books for your research project. From off-campus, you will need to log in using your MyWNC Anywhere account information (student ID and password).

Call: 
Carson City and Douglas Campus: (775) 445-3229
Fallon Campus: (775) 423-5330 

Email:  refdesk@wnc.edu 

When requesting assistance, please include

1. Explain to us a bit of the topic you need research for (attaching your class syllabus is helpful)
2. Class the assignment is for and the instructor
3. What types of information are you looking for?  Books, periodicals, eBooks or videos?

The librarians will generally respond to your email question within a few hours but not more than 24 hours (except weekends and  holidays).