New Library Search
The UCI Libraries implemented Library Search in July 2018. Our new discovery interface brings to light a multitude of resources. For example, by searching “Almost Everything,” you can find journal articles about your topic in addition to books and videos.
Staff at the Ask Us Reference Desk in Langson Library (949-824-4976) can help you navigate the new interface if you have any questions, or you can contact your subject librarian. We are gathering feedback to help us understand what works well and what needs improvement in Library Search. If you have any questions or comments, please let your subject librarian know, or fill out this form, or contact Cynthia Johnson at cynthiaj@uci.edu.
Virtual Research Consultations
As online courses grow at UCI, particularly in the summer, we have made online research consultations (currently using Zoom) another way we can assist in the research process; many UCI Research Librarians can meet with you virtually if that works best for you!
Consultation Suites
We recently updated two of our research consultation spaces, one in the Langson Library, and one in the Science Library, to facilitate working with up to five people at a time to explore new resources, discuss complex questions, and explore emerging areas of research. Each space has a 43-inch wall-mounted monitor and furniture that enables researchers to use their laptops and tablets as part of the consultation.
Real-World-Reference Example for Mapping Projects
A professor in Asian American Studies asked about digital tools for making location and migration maps for an upcoming book.
This question was referred to our Digital Humanities Librarian, Madelynn Dickerson.
Madelynn explored with the professor various tools including Google Maps, Tableau and Harvard WorldMaps. The initial consultation went so well that the professor returned with two graduate students. Using the new consultation space in the Science Library, Madelynn, the professor, and the students reviewed the model map that Madelynn created in Google Earth Pro to track one person’s migration across Indonesia, to the Netherlands and back to Indonesia. The group then used Google Street View to “walk” down rural dirt roads in Cambodia, taking sample screenshots along the way.
The success of this consultation, and the opportunity to partner and expand the group’s exploration of mapping tools, is leading to an expanded meeting with colleagues and students in the Department of Asian American Studies and other subject librarians. As Madelynn says, “It is exciting to think that a reference question has quickly become a budding relationship and an opportunity to share the power of using digital maps to communicate migration stories (and more!) with the Asian American Studies Department.” Interested in learning more about how the UCI Libraries can help with digital humanities projects? Contact Madelynn Dickerson at mrosed@uci.edu.