Resources for International Students - Global Gopher Events

Welcome from UMN Libraries Staff!

Watch this video to meet some of the staff from the UMN Libraries who are here to help you succeed!

Whether you are on campus or at home, you can use the University Libraries. Connect virtually with our librarians and staff, access millions of books and articles, or use library services and resources online.

Why use the Libraries and the website?

It is good for you and your GPA! We studied it and found that students who use the U Libraries and the library website have higher average GPAs and are more likely to graduate in fours years than students who do not use the library. 

Many people think of a "library" as a book warehouse. There are 12 campus library locations with more than books, they also have study spaces fitting every study need and preference.

When we say "library" we mean more than just the books and buildings. A library is:

1. The website with search tools, online books, journals, streaming videos, and tutorials.
2. The librarians, staff, and students ready to help you get started with papers and projects, find and use information, and help you get the grades you want. 

Access millions of resources through the University Libraries without ever leaving your home! Log into Lib.umn.edu with your UMN ID and password to explore online books and articles, watch a streaming documentary, or read an online newspaper. Help is available virtually by consultation or 24/7 chat! Learn more here:

Check out these library tips from a fellow student!

The library is sometimes referred to as the heart of campus. We certainly feel this way. This summer, since you are unable to visit one of our 12 libraries, we want to give you an opportunity to have a virtual visit. Getting an online tour of the Libraries website is a great step to take this summer! You can get an idea of the resources available to you and we will highlight our online tools for new students.

Fill out this short form to request a tour

We will contact you within two days to schedule and/or confirm the tour. The tour will take about 20-30 minutes. We will send a Zoom or other meeting link at least one hour ahead of the scheduled tour. If you have any questions contact Kate Peterson (katep@umn.edu)

In partnership with the University of Minnesota Bookstores, the University Libraries provides you with a list of free U of M required books. All books are free for U of MN - Twin Cities’ students to read online and to checkout. Books are in PDF format are available for download in their entirety.  

Check the list to see if the library already has books for your course online, for free.

Whether you are living abroad while attending the University of Minnesota online or unable to find the material you need within our collection, we will do our best to work with you to find what you need. An easy way to request materials is our Interlibrary Loan and Digital Delivery Service. Fill out the form linked below with the information about the source you are looking for and let us find it for free! 

You can stream and watch documentaries and many arts focused films including Opera and Theater performances. We have a bunch of online streaming music collections -- primarily these are for the music majors but we all get to take advantage of them.

Keep in mind that any of these sources evens songs can also be used as part of a future research paper or project!

Never get stopped by a message asking you to "buy" and article (sometimes that is called a pay wall)! The University Libraries has millions of online journals, magazine and newspapers -- both subscriptions to "browse" or read a current issue and tools to help you search. 

Use the links below to reach current articles. Remember this is just a sample of what you have access to -- try the search box on our homepage lib.umn.edu to find more.  

This semester is going to be unlike any other -- level up your skills and learn new ways to get work and stuff done. Find out what online services and tools are available to help you get the grades you want this semester. Register for free, online workshops such as: 

• Virtual tour: Canvas, UMN Libraries and more
• Bullet Journaling for Motivation
• Tips for Taking Notes (IRL and in Zoom lectures)
• Start strong: Early semester planning
• Try the Pomodoro technique: Virtual Study Time
• Tips and Tools for spring semester planning

 Getting ready for your semester ahead can mean many things - like figuring out your textbooks and readings, to making a fancy bullet journal sort of schedule in a calendar to using an app to figure out everything you need to get done.

Your classes at the University will require more time than your school in the past -- now is a good time to level up those skills around "time management."

Here is a great tutorial from Effective U to help you do that.  

As a student, you've probably realized you need new skills for dealing with the many tasks filling up your semester: studying, classes, work, finances, family, friends. Explore these free online tutorials to learn new ways to manage your time, manage stress, take better notes, and prepare for tests.

These services are designed to:

• Boost your confidence as a student
• Help you stay on top of your coursework
• Offer a deeper understanding of the content
• Connect you to peers who know tips and tricks for various courses 
• Teach you effective study strategies and time management

The Libraries employ hundreds of student employees for many different tasks.  COVID-19 has reduced our staff for now, but you can view current openings on our student jobs page and stay updated by signing up for our email list.