How to use the library like a pro
The library is chock-full of resources and services to support you with your assignments, research, downtime and more. But, having access to all these resources can make it overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve assembled 6 tips on how to use the library like a pro—something you were always meant to be!
1. Start your search with OneSearch
OneSearch is our discovery service which looks through library collections and brings up any results that match the terms of your search. The Libraries have a staggering amount of resources—nearly 12 million volumes—and you can narrow down results with advanced search limiting it by publish date, material type, peer-reviewed status and more. To focus results further, you can try boolean operators—essentially words or symbols that combine or exclude keywords in a search such as AND, OR, or NOT. Check out search tips on our OneSearch guide.
2. Find the right databases with curated research and course guides
While OneSearch is a good place to start, not every library resource is included and it can be better to look in specific databases for the resources. We have a number of subject and course-specific guides created by subject librarians to help you choose the right resources for certain topics.
3. Get help from a librarian
Librarians are experts on our collections, resources and services. They can help you develop search strategies, find materials and more. Librarians are available via our Ask a Librarian service—at the service desk in Norlin or via chat, email or text—or you can book one-on-one time with them virtually or in-person through a research consultation.
4. Save time and effort with hold pick up
You can request books from our collection and check them out via hold pick up. This can save you time as you don’t have to go find materials in the stacks—though we recommend getting lost in the stacks at least once during your college career.
You can also request books from other libraries. That one book that only Indiana seems to have? Well, you may be able to have it shipped to the campus library nearest you.
5. Take advantage of Course Reserves
Course Reserves is a service that allows you to borrow materials from your course—textbooks, books, films, articles and more—at a library service desk or online. By using this service, you can save money or leave those materials at home.
6. The Library website: Your portal to everything
The library website (libraries@colorado.edu) contains information about all of our services and collections including special database links which allow you access to our resources without paywalls or other disruptions. It also contains a number of guides to help you research and upcoming news and events.