UMSL Libraries has prepared online research guides that have links and guidance for finding article databases, books, primary sources, etc. related to specific subject areas. These guides are an excellent starting point for this stage of your research.
The bulk of your research may require sources such as journal articles, academic book chapters, or primary sources.
Your professor may require using a certain amount of a specific source (e.g., 5 peer-reviewed journal articles), or leave it up to you. Scroll down for advice on finding different types of materials! If you get stuck in your search, please contact the library for help.
Summon is the library's discovery tool that lets you search across a variety of resources (print and e-books, article databases, newspapers, etc.) at the same time. Therefore, it is an excellent place to begin your research.
Start your search on the library home page, or get started using the search bar below.
Once you have clicked "Search," use the left side of the page or the Advanced Search feature to narrow your results by content type, date, subject area, and more.
You can find and access articles/journals using Summon as well as subject-specific databases. Additionally, you can find print journals by searching the UMSL catalog (see Books tab).
You can also find great sources by searching in an interdisciplinary database (offers resources for more than one subject area). Some suggestions are linked below.
In addition to using Summon, you can also find library books several other ways:
Use the search box below to look for books and other materials held by UMSL or other libraries. It does not search our subscription databases for things like online research articles, streaming audio, etc.
Books at other libraries are usually free to request! If you're looking for something you can't find at UMSL or through MERLIN/MOBIUS, place an interlibrary loan request.
Thomas Jefferson Library and the Mercantile Library hold a variety of materials useful as primary sources for research on St. Louis/Missouri history as well as waterway and railroad transportation.
The Library also subscribes to databases that offer digital access to sources such as photographs and other artwork, newspapers, government documents, etc. Many are also available for free online! The resources below should help you navigate these options. If you have questions or get stuck, please contact the library!