Frequently Asked Questions

Using a library in this day and age is not easy. Check here for the answers to frequently asked questions about the library and doing research. More detailed library guides to specific topics and search tools are also available.

If you can't find what you're looking for here or on the rest of the library web site, you can reach us through the Ask a Librarian service, which features a variety of contact methods.

You can browse the Frequently Asked Questions pages using the links below, view all questions on a single page, or search them with this form:

Library Location/Hours/General

  1. Where is the library?
  2. When is the library open?
  3. Who may use the library?
  4. Can I take a tour of the library?
  5. Where can I do research in the library?

Understanding Publication Types

  1. I'm supposed to find "scholarly journals." What are those?
  2. My professor said "don't use the Web." Why?
  3. What are "primary sources"?

Reserve and Electronic Reserve

  1. What does it mean if a reading is on reserve?
  2. How do I access reserve and e-reserve materials?

Researching: Selecting and Using Sources

  1. How do I know which kinds of sources to use?
  2. How do I know if a web source is reliable?
  3. What is plagiarism?
  4. How do I format a bibliography?

Search Techniques

  1. What is a keyword?
  2. What is Boolean searching and why should I use it?
  3. When do I use quotation marks in a search?
  4. What are subject headings?

Finding and Checking Out Books

  1. How do I find books?
  2. Does the library have books for UWM courses?
  3. What are call numbers and what do they mean?
  4. Help! I can't find this book or journal on the shelf.
  5. How do I check out books?
  6. How do I renew books?

Finding Articles

  1. What is an article database?
  2. How do I find articles?
  3. How do I search for citations to a known item?

Finding Journals

  1. I found an article in a database and it doesn't have full text. How do I get it?
  2. Where are the journals located?
  3. What is an e-journal?
  4. What do I do with an abbreviated journal title?

Off-Campus Access

  1. Can I do research from my computer at home?
  2. How do I connect from off-campus?

Computing Services

  1. What computers are available in the library?
  2. Can I use my laptop in the library?
  3. Is wireless Internet access available in the library?
  4. What's this I hear about laptop checkouts?
  5. Are there printers in the library?
  6. What software does the library offer?

Other Library Services

  1. Are there photocopiers in the library?
  2. How do I find materials the UWM Libraries do not own?
  3. How do I make a purchasing suggestion?
  4. Can I donate books?
  5. Are there any special services available for people with disabilities?
  6. I have a question about the building facilities.

Getting Help

  1. Where do I go for help in the library?
  2. How do I get help with research?
  3. What does this library term mean?