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Research Help

The following steps outline an effective research strategy needed to complete an essay, class presentation, or a term paper in most courses at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Find Books

Watch this short video to learn how to find e-Books in the Library:

VIDEO: Finding E-books (6:00)

Shows how to use Summon, the library catalogue, and individual e-book databases to locate e-books in the KPU Library's collection.

  • Video (YouTube)
  • Video (Kaltura)
  • Video transcript (text file)

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    You can search within these specific e-book collections:

    NEXT VIDEO: Library Catalogue Search Tips

    Search tips:

    • Use the Advanced Search screen in the Library Catalogue for more precise searching.
    • The library catalogue lists all of the books, e-books, and videos in the library's collection. It does not include newspaper or journal articles.
    • The most typical search in the Library Catalogue is a keyword search. Keywords are everyday terms used to describe a topic. A more precise search is by subject. Subject headings are the agreed-upon terms designated by the Library of Congress and assigned to each item in your library’s catalog.

    Find print books on the Library Shelves:

    • Books are shelved in alphabetical and numerical order according to the call number, a combination of letters and numbers on the spine.
    • Call numbers signify subjects, so books on similar topics will have similar call numbers and be shelved near each other. For a brief introduction, check Library of Congress Classification Outline.

    Watch this short video to learn how to find streaming videos in Library:

    VIDEO: Finding Streaming Videos and DVDs (7:38)

    Covers how to find streaming videos and DVDs at KPU Library by searching the Summon search interface, the Library Catalogue, and also by searching in individual video portals.

  • Video (YouTube)
  • Video (Kaltura)
  • Video transcript (text file)

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    KPU has unlimited access to the following streaming platforms:

     Curio.ca Canadian content KPU login required   Streaming video and audio content from CBC and Radio-Canada in both French and English. Please use Google Chrome when playing videos on campus. When using PCs in e-classrooms, videos should be accessible through Internet Explorer.

    Please use Google Chrome when playing videos on campus. When using PCs in e-classrooms, videos should be accessible through Internet Explorer.

    Please use Google Chrome when playing videos on campus. When using PCs in e-classrooms, videos should be accessible through Internet Explorer.

    What are Open Textbooks? 

    Open textbooks are part of a larger movement called "Open Educational Resources" (OER). An open textbook is a textbook with an open copyright license that allows the material to be freely accessed, shared and adapted.