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ENVS 001: Introduction to Environmental Studies - Seidl (Fall 2020)

Getting Started

Using the Library

  • Library materials may be borrowed with a UVM ID card (CatCard).
  • Library computers are equipped with Microsoft Office products.  These computers require your UVM NetID and password to log in. 
  • You can pay for your print jobs and photocopies with your CatCard. Black and white printing costs 5 cents per page.
  • There are librarians available to answer your research questions and assist you with your research.  In Fall 2020, librarians are available remotely through the Ask A Librarian service, which you will see as a pop-out on the right side of all library web pages.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind when Researching Environmentally Related Topics

  • Environmental research is interdisciplinary research.
  • Search multiple databases across subject areas for information on your topics.
  • Useful information for your topics is found in many formats – books, journal articles, newspaper articles, magazine articles, web pages, and more.  Know how to find all these different formats of information.
  • Beginning your searches with keyword searches is often the best way to start.
  • Be aware of where your information is coming from, purposes, biases.
  • Good environmental research is thorough research.

Research Process

  • Define your research topic or question in one or two succinct sentences.
  • Identify key search terms (and alternate terms).
  • Identify the types of materials you want. (books, magazine articles, scholarly journal articles, etc.)  Become familiar with the UVM Libraries website.
  • Identify the resources you need to use to get these materials (i.e., use the Library Catalog to find books we own; article indexes to find journal articles, etc.)
  • Conduct initial searches.
  • Based upon results, adjust and refine search terms.  If you are not finding what you need try different search terms. Repeat.
  • Critically evaluate resources for usefulness in answering your research question.
  • Synthesize research into a cohesive, final product that addresses your research question(s); remember to cite your sources.