Build Better Searches in UC Library Search

UC Library Search provides simple, one-stop searching for books and e-books, articles, digital media, archives and special collections, course reserves, and other content available through the libraries of the University of California system.

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  1. Narrow your search results by Resource TypeSubject, Date and more
  2. Generate a citation in your preferred format (e.g., APA, AMA, etc.)
  3. Email a record
  4. Save item to your favorites
  5. Export a citation to your chosen reference management tool
  6. Use Advanced search to build a more complex search
  7. Sign in using your MyAccess account to:
      • View full-text articles and e-books
      • Request items from libraries
      • Create favorites lists
      • Get complete search results

Run a quick search with your own keywords

  • Use OR to connect similar concepts
  • Use AND to connect different concepts
  • Use quotation marks to look for an exact phrase
  • Use * to find possible endings to a word (i.e., discover* finds discovery, discoveries, etc.)

Example:

effect* AND (conflict management OR "conflict resolution") AND (simulat* OR "role play")

Note: When building a search with AND and OR, put parentheses around groups of similar concepts joined by OR.

When to use UC Library Search?

When you're getting started on a topic and are unsure which database to use or want to see a wide variety of resources.

Results will include:

  • Journal articles
  • Ebooks
  • Books
  • Conference proceedings
  • Reports
  • Dissertations

This is not a comprehensive search tool. When your topic is very specific you may also need to use a specialized database on that subject, (see Which Database Should I Use To Start My Search?). To make the most of the UC Library Search, use the Advanced search features or talk to a librarian.

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