The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Library is a comprehensive resource for students, faculty, and staff, offering a wide range of materials, services, and tools to support academic success. With its extensive collection of books, journals, databases, and online resources, the UCCS Library can be a bit overwhelming, especially for new users. However, with this guide, you'll learn how to navigate the library's resources and find what you need quickly and efficiently.
Getting Started with the UCCS Library
Before you begin your search, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the library’s layout and resources. The UCCS Library is located in the heart of the campus and is open seven days a week during the academic year. The library’s website is a great place to start, as it provides access to the online catalog, databases, and other resources. You can also visit the library’s social media pages to stay up-to-date on the latest news, events, and announcements.
Library Collections and Resources
The UCCS Library has an extensive collection of over 500,000 books, journals, and other materials, including:
- Books and e-books on various subjects, including fiction and non-fiction titles
- Peer-reviewed journals and magazines, both in print and online
- Online databases, such as JSTOR, EBSCO, and ProQuest, providing access to millions of articles, research papers, and other resources
- Microforms, newspapers, and other archival materials
- Audiobooks, DVDs, and streaming services, including Kanopy and Swank
The library also provides access to a wide range of digital resources, including:
- Online tutorials and guides on various subjects, including research skills, citation management, and academic writing
- Research assistance from librarians and staff, available in person, via phone, or through online chat
- Interlibrary loan services, allowing you to borrow materials from other libraries and institutions
Searching the Library Catalog
The UCCS Library catalog is a powerful tool that allows you to search for books, journals, and other materials. You can search by:
- Keyword, author, title, or subject
- ISBN, ISSN, or other identifiers
- Material type, such as books, journals, or DVDs
To access the catalog, simply visit the library’s website and click on the “Catalog” tab. From there, you can enter your search terms and browse through the results.
| Search Type | Example Search Terms |
|---|---|
| Keyword Search | "climate change" OR "sustainability" |
| Author Search | "John Smith" OR "J.K. Rowling" |
| Title Search | "The Great Gatsby" OR "To Kill a Mockingbird" |
Using Library Databases
The UCCS Library provides access to over 200 databases, covering a wide range of subjects and disciplines. Some popular databases include:
- JSTOR, a comprehensive database of academic journals and books
- EBSCO, a database of peer-reviewed articles, research papers, and other resources
- ProQuest, a database of newspapers, magazines, and other publications
To access the databases, simply visit the library’s website and click on the “Databases” tab. From there, you can browse through the list of available databases or search for a specific database by name.
Getting Help from Librarians and Staff
The UCCS Library has a team of experienced librarians and staff who are available to help you with your research and information needs. You can:
- Ask for help in person at the library’s reference desk
- Contact a librarian via phone or email
- Use the library’s online chat service to get help in real-time
The library also offers a range of workshops and tutorials on various topics, including research skills, citation management, and academic writing. These sessions are designed to help you develop your skills and become a more effective researcher.
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The UCCS Library is open seven days a week during the academic year, with hours varying depending on the semester. You can check the library’s website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation.
How do I access the library’s online resources from off campus?
+To access the library’s online resources from off campus, you’ll need to log in with your UCCS username and password. You can do this by clicking on the “Off-Campus Access” link on the library’s website and following the prompts.
Can I borrow materials from other libraries?
+Yes, the UCCS Library participates in interlibrary loan services, which allow you to borrow materials from other libraries and institutions. You can request materials through the library’s catalog or by contacting a librarian directly.
