Research Methods at UF: Orientation to Library Literature

UF has seven libraries on campus! Each library specializes in one or more subject areas. A full-sized map is available above as a PDF file. Click here for more information about each of UF Libraries branches and collections.

Off campus access to library-licensed e-Journals, research databases and e-resources is limited to current UF students, staff, and faculty. In order to access this material from off campus you must authenticate yourself to the UF network using either the VPN (virtual private network) or the Library Proxy. See instructions here.

Remember:  If you hit a "paywall" asking for payment in order to see an article, first check to see whether you're using VPN or Proxy service if you are off-campus. If you still cannot access the full text without paying a fee, you can request the publication from another library using InterLibrary Loan, ILL (see details here).

Ask a Librarian is a free service for those seeking assistance with library and research-related questions from reference staff. We answer questions in-person and by phone at our in-library service desks, and online through email, instant messaging, and texting. https://uflib.ufl.edu/find/ask/

Librarians are here to help you.  Find the library research guide or  librarian with expertise in your field by searching this Subject Specialist Guide.

Subject Specialist from UF Information Literacy Comm on Vimeo.

Learn from this collection of short video tutorials produced by UF librarians:

• Exploring the Libraries Website
• Connecting to the VPN for Off Campus Access
• Using the Library Catalog, Primo Search
• How to find Subject Specialist Librarians and Library Research Guides

https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/onlineinfolit

Send suggestions for new topics to suzanne@ufl.edu

Join a Library Workshop to learn more about using library resources. Click here to see the calendar of upcoming library workshops.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are available in library resources. These tools are changing the processes of literature searching, synthesizing, and writing. AI technology offers great opportunities and carries significant limitations. AI can provide personalized learning experiences, contribute to practical skill development, extend accessibility, and enhance research capabilities. However, when incorporating AI based tools, especially generative AI, into your academic or daily activities it is imperative to understand their limitations. Despite appearances, AI models including Large Language Models (LLMs) do not possess the independent thought or the self-awareness of humans. AI can misinform. AI is biased. It is your responsibility to develop AI Literacy. Understand bias and acknowledge limitations of the AI tools you use, use judgement in assessing AI outputs, protect your privacy and prevent academic integrity concerns. UF members have access to UF GPT: Microsoft Copilot, protected by UF-Microsoft data agreement. Be sure to confirm acceptable use of AI tools with your instructors, fellow researchers, and potential publishers.