This introductory guide for graduate students at the Muskie School in public health provides useful tips including:
Once you have a good understanding of your topic and have selected a few keywords, OneSearch is a great place to start your research! It is a convenient way to search almost all of the library’s resources using a single search box, and you can easily apply limits to more narrowly focus your search.
You can search for books at USM or in other libraries by using the links below. If you're not sure how to find what you're looking for, Ask Us!
Sign-in through the MyUSM portal for access to thousands of ebooks via the URSUS catalog or one of our ebook databases below. In URSUS, you have access to books listing "USM Access", "UM System-wide Access" or Maine Infonet Access.
Example:
URSUS is the combined library catalog for the entire University of Maine system. You can search the entire system, or select University of Southern Maine Libraries in the drop-down.
Other helpful tips:
Most databases, as well as URSUS and MaineCat, assign subjects to books and articles. A subject is a designated word or phrase that describes an idea or concept and groups all articles or books about that concept together.
There are many ways you can get research materials from other libraries. In the vast majority of cases, there is no charge to you for this service!