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Research and Library Resources

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Stanford is home to some of the world's best research resources through Stanford Libraries. Whether you need an ancient tome, an esoteric piece of war propaganda, a collection of author's letters, or just an article in a research journal, Stanford Libraries has you covered.

Just getting started? Take a look at the Learn How section. Need ideas? Explore the Offerings. Or, if you really want to harness the power of the Libraries, check the resources at the bottom!

Learn How

Conducting Archival Research (A Guide)

A step-by-step in-depth walkthrough, featuring The Hoover Archives as an example. Filled with important facts and tips to enhance your research experiences. This guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of Stanford's archives.

How to Search Databases (Video)

The Stanford Nerd Squirrel shows you how to search and find articles in databases. To access the Library databases, begin by going to the SearchWorks catalog homepage at https://searchworks.stanford.edu

How to Use SearchWorks (Video)

The Stanford Nerd Squirrel shows you how to use SearchWorks, the Stanford University Libraries catalog

Explore the Offerings

Primary Sources at Stanford

Stanford has some of the finest archives of primary sources in the world. Learn about them here.

Researching with Green Library Special Collections

Need access to 3rd century B.C. papyri? Find them (and much more) here.

Ideas from the Hoover Archives

With more than 100,000 political propaganda posters, art and writing from around the world, and one-of-a-kind works and letters, the Hoover Archives provides an incomparable view into history through its more than 60 million documents. Explore this small sample of incredibly intriguing collections, complete with ideas for research topics!

More Resources from the Libraries

Topic and Course Guides cataloged by Stanford Libraries

Absolutely wonderful guides and curated collections covering topics across numerous fields. Just a few standouts among many: Text and Data Mining, LGBTQIA+ community, Using Public Records for Academic Research, Writing Engaging Music Program Notes, and many more! We recommend viewing "By Library or Unit" for best exploratory experience. Seriously, check these out!

Bibliography Management

As one of the most important aspects of research, you want to make sure you do it right. Fortunately, Library science specializes in documentation! Find reviews and guides for major services such as EndNote, Mendeley, and Overleaf, as well as recommendations for best practices and other tools to help you in your process.