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Library Instruction: Library Tutorial

This tutorial was created to give you a basic overview of how to conduct academic research and how to use our libraries.

The tutorial consists of five lessons. At the end of each lesson is a quiz that allows you to assess your understanding. Complete the lessons at your own pace, in whatever order you want. You may also go back and review each lesson as many times as you want.

For technical difficulties, email jhoag@fordham.edu (last updated 8/12/2021).

Research Basics

In this section you will learn how to:

  • choose and refine a topic,
  • identify keywords,
  • develop research questions, and
  • select research tools.

Click here to get started: Research Basics

Understanding & Evaluating Sources

In this section you will learn how to:

  • identify differences between common types of sources,
  • evaluate your sources for relevance and reliability,
  • choose books and articles based on evaluation criteria, and
  • evaluate websites for academic use.

Click here to get started: Understanding & Evaluating Sources

The Catalog & Library Services

In this section you will learn how to:

  • effectively search for books, media, and periodicals in the catalog,
  • identify the location and availability of library materials,
  • place holds on Fordham library materials, and
  • request materials from other libraries.

Click here to get started: The Catalog & Library Services

Articles & Databases

In this section you will learn how to:

  • distinguish scholarly articles from non-scholarly sources,
  • select databases based on your topic,
  • use database features to create a stronger search, and
  • quickly identify if an article meets your research needs.

Click here to get started: Articles & Databases

OneSearch & the Internet

In this section you will learn how to:

  • use OneSearch for academic research,
  • refine your searching in OneSearch for your topic,
  • identify quality Web resources, and 
  • locate reliable academic resources on the Web.

Click here to get started: OneSearch & the Internet

Still Need Help?

Still need help?  Contact your library liaison to schedule a one-on-one consultation.

Reference & Instruction Department

Reference & Instruction Department
Fordham University Libraries

Walsh Library  ♦  Rose Hill Campus  ♦  718-817-3586   
Quinn Library  ♦  Lincoln Center Campus  ♦  212-636-6050   
Fordham Westchester Library  ♦  Fordham Westchester Campus  ♦  914-367-3061 
library@fordham.edu   ♦   text 71-TXTX-1284 ♦  Ask a Librarian (Chat)