- Borrowing
Summon is the library's comprehensive search tool. Use it to find sources in all kinds of formats.
Quick tips:
A good way to start your research is by doing a bit of background reading, especially if the topic is new to you.
Doing this initial legwork will help you develop your research question, identify key terminology to improve your searches, and introduce you to related topics or issues. If your topic is controversial, this first step will also introduce you to opposing viewpoints and perspectives.
The library has a large collection of Reference resources, including encyclopedias, specialized handbooks, and dictionaries to help get you started.
The short video below will show you how to locate these resources through the library's Summon search interface.
Or search for your topic directly in one of these online reference books.
To access, click the title, then look for the "electronic access" link at the bottom of the record. You will need to log in with your KPU ID if you are off-campus.
Books can provide an overview of your topic as well as more detailed information. A book may be an edited volume with focussed chapters by various authors or it may be a comprehensive and general introduction to a subject. Use the index and table of contents to navigate to the section of the book that will be most useful. Most ebooks have a search tool that you can use to search across the entire content for your keyword or term.
The library has a vast collection of both print and ebooks, and the best tool for locating a book is the catalogue.
If you are unfamiliar with searching the library catalogue, check out the short video below.
The library has subscribed to the online edition of the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Log in off campus with your KPU ID.
Open textbooks and other open educational resources (OER's) can provide useful introductions to topics and credible, external links for further reading. They are free to use, and accessible to everyone. The titles listed below are all created by instructors and researchers at post-secondary institutions.
Here are a few that could be helpful starting points for your research.
