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Research Guides

Introduction to Music Research: Libraries Services and Resources

Libraries services and resources

While the UW Libraries is not the only place you'll go to find information and get research help, it is a foundational resource, which houses a plethora of research-related services and resources that you can access for free--and frequently online. Becoming acquainted with academic library resources early on will allow you more time to focus on actual research questions and tasks. Some of the UW Libraries resources that you should know about include:

UW Libraries Search

UW Libraries Search is the main search tool for discovering materials in the UW Libraries and Summit (non-UW) Libraries' collections, including some of our research databases. This tool can be used to discover many different types of materials in various formats, including books and scores, using a single search box. You can find UW Libraries Search on the Libraries homepage.

UW Libraries search box

Research Guides

The Libraries' Research Guides are always a good place to start your research. These are a collection of informational web pages created to help you find and use library-provided resources and services. They are a starting point for finding journal articles, books, and more. Each guide is compiled around a specific discipline or field and will lead you to a subject librarian. Our music-related Research Guides include:

Subject Librarians

A subject librarian is your personal guide to the UW Libraries. They are responsible for purchasing library materials, providing reference help and consultations, and instructing UW students in the research tools and methods of each discipline. Your music librarians are Kathryn Miller and Dylan Burns. Here are some ways we can help you with your research process:

  • Identifying databases, journals, and resources relevant to your research
  • Finding helpful search strategies
  • Brainstorming and developing a topic, thesis, or research question
  • Evaluating materials for multiplicity of perspective and voice
  • Referring you to campus resources for funding and professional development
  • Managing your data and citations