Explore Research Tools

Libray Guides, Databases, & More

The University Library offers a range of tools to support your teaching and research. Here you'll find in-depth information on the tools listed below:

• Library Search & Research Assistant
  Our search tool allows you to explore books, articles, media, and more, all in one place. Quickly locate scholarly materials and other library holdings using keywords, titles, or authors.
• Library Guides & Databases
  Curated by our librarians, library guides provide research tips, recommended databases, and useful links tailored to specific disciplines and topics. You can also browse our full list of databases.
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
  Can't find what you need in our collection? Use ILL to request books, articles, and other materials from libraries across the country.

Library Search

The Library Search tool allows you to search through virtually all of the library's online resources in one streamlined interface, making it a great place to start your research.

How to Access the Library Search Tool

Find the Library Search tool at the top of our website (pictured above). Simply type in your keywords to go directly to our search page and start your research. You can also access Library Search by clicking the button below:

Access Library Search

Research Assistant 

What is Research Assistant?

Research Assistant is an AI-powered discovery tool built into the library catalog. Ask your research question in everyday language and the tool translates your natural language question into a structured search query, scans records in the Central Discovery Index (CDI), and identifies the five most relevant sources based on their content and metadata. Note that some commonly used resources — including JSTOR, Elsevier journals, and newspaper articles — are not indexed in the CDI and will not appear in these results. You'll receive an AI-generated summary drawn from those sources, with inline references so you can trace every summarization point back to the original article. Above the summary, you'll find the five sources listed in full, plus additional results to help you explore further, verify the findings, or identify more relevant materials.

Keep in mind: As with any AI tool, we recommend reviewing the sources directly rather than relying solely on the summary. For help refining your search or locating specialized resources, your liaison librarian is happy to assist.

How to Use Research Assistant

1. Go to the Research Assistant
   You can find the tool on the Library Search page or through the link here: Research Assistant
2. Type in your question
   Enter your research question or topic in plain language (e.g., "What are the effects of climate change on coral reefs?")
3. Review the summary
   The tool will create a short overview using information from five sources. It includes in-line references so you can see which the information came from.
4. Explore the sources
   Above the summary, you'll find the five articles referenced, along with extra recommended sources you can read to learn more or verify the information.
5. Use the articles in your research
   You can click on any of the listed sources to read the full text, take notes, or cite them in your research. Sources not available through the library can be requested through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

Library Guides

Our library guides are the perfect starting point for students seeking subject-specific library resources.

Use the button below to explore the complete list of guides. Guides are also embedded directly in each Canvas course under Library Resources in the left-side menu, making it easy for you and your students to access them anytime.

What's available on our library guides:

• Curated Databases: A selection of databases selected to support research in each subject.

• Search Tips & Tutorials: Guidance on how to find, use, and access library resources.

• Research Support: Access to the library chat service, liaison librarian contact information, and Meet with a Librarian appointment scheduling.

• Citation Help: Guidance for citing sources in APA, MLA, Chicago, and CSE formats.

Explore Library Guides

Access Library Databases

The Library provides access to more than 100 databases with content including scholarly journal articles, ebooks, newspapers, streaming media, and more.

Explore Library Databases

Interlibrary Loan 

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is available to all current Nevada State students and employees, and we encourage you to use it!

You can use Interlibrary Loan to request articles, books, book chapters, and other materials not owned or unavailable through the University Library from other libraries across the country. ILL is free to use, and requests for digital items are typically fulfilled in 1-3 business days. 

ILL is a great option for one-time research needs or accessing hard-to-find items, but is not recommended for materials needed as part of a class, such as required readings, because loan periods are limited and availability can vary. If you need something for instructional use, we encourage you to fill out the Resource Request Form instead so we can try to add it to the Library’s collection. For more information on requesting library material, check out the Get Course Materials page. 

Learn More About Interlibrary Loan

Library Search Tutorials

Interlibrary Loan Tutorial