Need some help?
Librarian
Search for books, journals, articles, media and more.
Find intro information
-
KnovelBasic information about research in science and engineering. Start here, find an article or chapter about your topic, and look at the reference list for more articles.
Review articles
Annual Reviews are journals that publish review articles (overviews of a topic) only.
You can also search Web of Science or Scopus for a topic and filter results for review articles.
News from scientific societies
Physics Today from the American Institute of Physics
Physics World from the Institute of Physics
Astronomy & Geophysics from the Royal Astronomical Society
AAS Nova from the American Astronomical Society
Elements from the Geochemical Society
EOS from the American Geophysical Union
Geology Today from the Geologists' Association and the Geological Society of London
BAMS from the American Meteorological Society (or view and search open access articles)
Optics and Photonics News from the Optical Society
Introduction sections
Look up original research articles on your topic but read the introduction section first. It will provide an overview of the topic. Keep track of the articles it cites too, and look up the references that might be useful.
Off-campus access information
-
Proxy BookmarkletAdd this button to your browser toolbar and click on it to reload a page and authenticate as a U of M user.
-
Virtual Private Network (VPN)Download and log in to VPN before accessing resources
Organization and time management
-
Research and citation helpFrom Purdue OWL: how to find and cite your sources well, from start to finish.
-
Peer Research ConsultantsThey provide one-on-one assistance with your research. View the schedule of drop-in hours at various locations or make an appointment.
-
Talk to the librarianMy office hours during the semester are Thursdays from 1-3pm in Tate 401-07. Email updates are sent to grad and undergrad lists in ESCI, Physics, and Astrophysics.
-
Assignment CalculatorEnter in the due date for your research project (paper, speech, lab report) and get a suggested time-line for completing with links to the resources to help you succeed in each step. Optional: sign up for reminder via text.
Libraries & online resources available during COVID-19
The UMN Libraries spaces are different due to COVID-19 AND we are here to help with your research online!
Studying at the Libraries during Covid-19
Four of our largest libraries are open - Wilson Library (west bank), Walter Library Health Sciences Library (east bank), and Magrath Library (St. Paul). These spaces are open for current U of M students with U Cards. Per University guidelines, masks are required. We have reconfigured furniture and are requiring physical distancing with one student per table. You can reserve a study room - one person per room. The coffee shops in Wilson and Walter are closed. Read through our FAQs for more details on visiting.
Getting physical materials from the Libraries
If you know the item you are looking for, search by title or author or search by your keywords in Libraries search. You can go to our open libraries to find your items or browse the stacks. Or sign in to Libraries search and place a “get it” request. You can pick up items at one of our four open buildings — Wilson Library, Walter Library, Health Science Libraries, and Magrath Library — or have them delivered to your office, home, or residence hall. You can also request to have part of a book or physical item scanned and we will send it electronically with our Digital Delivery service. Read through our FAQs including details on checking out and returning materials.
-
Online library resources and services for students during COVID-19You can connect virtually to our libraries, librarians and staff and get millions of online books and many services and resources online.
Get research help online! Schedule an online consultation!
Help isn’t available in our spaces this semester, instead use Chat with a librarian 24/7, schedule an online consultation with a librarian or schedule a 30 minute virtual appointment with a Peer Research Consultant (a.k.a. peer tutor for library research).
