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Getting Started with Research at Shapiro Library

This guide discusses understanding information sources, formulating a topic and search phrase, where and how to search the library for information, how to evaluate sources, how to cite sources, and more.

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Saving Items for Later Use


As you use the library it is likely that you will find resources that you want to return to later. While your first instinct may be to copy the web address from the URL bar, it is often the case that these URLs are session-specific, and will not bring you back to the content in the future. There are a number of ways to save content found through library resources for later use that will work. Databases typically have an options area that can include permanent links, download options, email exports, and connections to external tools such as RefWorks or Google Drive. Many databases offer folders or personalized accounts.

Persistent Links


When sharing library resources, to ensure that SNHU users can access library materials both on and off campus, a persistent link needs to be used. The library uses an authentication protocol called EZproxy, which allows SNHU users to sign in using their SNHU email and password. The EZproxy protocol is sometimes already built into persistent or permanent links in some of the library's databases (but not all). Two of our highly used database vendors EBSCO and ProQuest do offer persistent links that can be taken directly from the database.

Accounts and Folders

Many databases offer accounts or folders. In general, you will need to create and sign-in to a database-specific account for those folders to be permanent. Otherwise, saved items will only last during your current database session. 


EBSCO (Multi-Search, Academic Search Ultimate, Business Source Ultimate, etc.)

ProQuest

SAGE

Permalink

A permalink is a link that allows users to retrieve resources for future use. Specifically, a permalink is a web address that will consistently point to a specific information source such as an ebook, an article, a record in the catalog, a video, or a database. When sharing a link to a library resource, to ensure that SNHU users can access library materials both on and off campus, a persistent link needs to be used. The library uses an authentication protocol called EZproxy, which allows SNHU users to sign in using their SNHU email and password. The EZproxy protocol is sometimes already built into persistent or permanent links in some of the library's databases (but not all). Two of our highly used database vendors EBSCO and ProQuest do offer persistent links that can be taken directly from the database.


EBSCO

ProQuest

SAGE

For Sage Journals the url located in you browser bar is the permalink.

RefWorks and other Citation Management Tools

Citation management tools allow you to collect references and links to content from multiple library databases and the open internet together in one place. They generally have a steeper learning curve than the tools that are built in to a database, but their cross functionality makes them valuable when working on projects that draw from a number of resources. They will also assist you with the creation of citations and bibliographies. Southern New Hampshire University subscribes to the RefWorks citation manager, and other subscription and free tools are available online.


EBSCO

ProQuest

Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive


EBSCO