Research Tools

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Research requirements and needs may be different for each assignment or project. The SDC & SCS Library provides all the tools you need to fulfill any research assignment through a wide variety of resources and source types. You will want to familiarize yourself with the resources that are available. Click on each of the links below to learn more about those specific resources and the types of materials you can find in each.

Merriam-Webster defines reference “as a work (as a dictionary or encyclopedia) containing useful facts or information.” The reference collection is a good place to find background information about a topic. It includes general and specialized encyclopedias and dictionaries. They are available in the library’s print collection and in several online reference and e-book collections (research databases).

View Reference Databases

The Library Catalog is the best place to start your searching. You will find books, journals, articles, videos and many other source formats. It is considered a central search because it will search through all of the library research databases as well as the eBook and print book collections.

Search the Library Catalog

Learn More about the Library Catalog

To find articles on specific subjects use the research databases. There are over 70 research databases that you can search through, all of them accessible through the library website. Some databases contain only journals and articles, while others also include videos, images, eBooks, transcripts and statistics.

Research Databases by Subject

Research Databases by Title

Database Searching Guide

Since no library has unlimited resources we have cooperative agreements with several local libraries for resource sharing. We can help connect you with another library in your area if you have a topic that we do not have a lot of resources for

San Diego Area Libraries