Information Resources for Graduate Success

Here is a checklist for new graduate students, to help you ace that first week of the semester and get a head start on your first research paper.

Check Course Reserves to find textbooks for your classes
The FSU Libraries provide access to some textbooks and course materials.  

• If you don't know the title of the textbook for your class, search the FSU Bookstore catalog first.
   
• Once you know the title, do Course Reserve Search for availability by entering the course code, such as DEP3103. It will pull up any books related to that course. 
   
• Physical copies can be found at Course Reserves in Strozier, Dirac, Engineering, or the Music Library. They can be used in the library for up to 2 hours for books or microfilm, and 4 hours for DVDs or media.
   
• There's a free book scanner near the circulation desk at Strozier and Dirac.
   
• Some textbooks may be available as eBooks. Some of these can be accessed and downloaded without limits, while others have user limits. There may also be limits on how many pages you can download or save. To see if your textbook is available as eBooks, check out our eTextbook Search page. 
   
• You can also rent or buy books at Bill's Bookstore on campus (111 S Copeland St, Tallahassee) or online booksellers.
   

Learn how to access and get the items on your course reading list 
Your instructor will provide a reading list for your class. This list may include physical books, eBooks, journal articles, websites, and other resources. 

• If you want to get the full text of a journal article, check out here. Or, simply download LibKey Nomad, a browser plugin that checks the availability of the content at FSU Libraries and provides a direct link to download the content.  
   
• If items you need are not available in the library collection, don't worry! You can try searching the UBorrow Statewide Catalog to request books from other libraries in Florida. 
   
• If it isn't available through UBorrow, or you need a book chapter or article not available at the library, try requesting an Interlibrary Loan. We will get it for you at no extra charge, but there are some limitations. In general, our libraries don't purchase commercial textbooks or borrow them from other institutions.

Ask Us for help
If you still need assistance in checking the availability of books or journal articles, or have any questions on library resources and services, use our Ask Us virtual chat reference service. 
 

Get to know your Subject Librarian and Research Specialists

• At FSU, each department has a librarian who is your go-to person for all things library-related. They can help you find your way around, show you where the best resources are, and even give you tips on how to search for stuff. Additionally, our research specialists possess expertise in data management, digital scholarship, copyrights, ORCID, GIS, and other relevant fields. You can talk to your librarian and the research specialists one-on-one, either in person, over email, or on Zoom. 
   
• To find out who your librarian is, what they can do for you, and how to book an appointment, just check our Subject Librarian Directory.

Check the Research Guides 

• Librarians create Research Guides to assist you in finding resources and getting a head start on your papers and projects. These Guides point out helpful research tools (such as databases and websites) for various subjects and courses. 
   
• The Research Guides are listed by subject or type. Look for the "Best Bets" on the subject search to find the core databases in your field or on your research topic. 

Learn how to format your citations and bibliography correctly, and how to use a citation management tool to manage your citations.  

• Citation Guide
  Find information about popular publishing styles such as APA, MLA, Chicago and more.
   
• Zotero Guide
  Zotero is a free citation management tool. Use this tool to create your personal research library.
   
• Librarians can also help you with citations. Contact your Subject Librarian for help.