History 4150: Astrolabes, Arms, and Azulejos: Medieval Science, Technology, and Material Culture  

Banu Musa

An illustration of a self-trimming lamp from Aḥmad ibn Mūsā ibn Shākir's On Mechanical Devices, written in Arabic.

This guide is divided into several sections that are designed to help you identify scholarly articles on your research topic. Just click on the tabs above to learn more about the research techniques and tools that will help you successfully complete your library research related assignment in this course. You will learn how to:

• integrate reference sources into the research process in order to gain an initial understanding of your research topic.
• use library catalogs to identify materials on your research topic.
• identify and use databases that will lead to research articles on your topic.
• use Boolean operators to construct effective search strategies in library databases.

You'll be using a lot of Kraemer Family Library resources while researching your assignments. There are a few steps you need to take to ensure that your library use goes smoothly.

Set Up Your Library Account You can't check out any books (or request books from other libraries) until you take your ID card to the circulation desk and activate your account.	Install the VPN You can access electronic resources 24/7 from home...as long as you are logged into the Library VPN (Transporter). Install it on your home computer as soon as possible.	Create an ILLiad Account Need a journal article that we don't have access to? Create an ILLiad account so that you can request PDF copies from another library.

You're already researching and writing a paper this semester. Why not publish your work?

Consider submitting a paper to URJ-UCCS: Undergraduate Research Journal at UCCS.  It publishes high quality research and creative works produced by undergraduate students across the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs' campus. See what the journal is all about.

Submit your paper online today!