Orientation for Online Learners
TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED@YOUR LIBRARY

Brainstorm!
A quick way to get started on your research project is to ask yourself the following questions:

• What do you already know about your topic?
• What do you want to know about your topic?
• Write down as many keywords as you can think of that are related to your topic. (You will use these when you search the online catalog and journal databases)
• Does your topic fit into a specific discipline - if so, what?
• What research tools does the Library offer in this subject?

Based on this information, identify some databases or research guides that may be helpful to you during your project. WKU Libraries can assist you with identifying resources through subject specific library liaisons, research guides, subject guides, the E-Journal Finder, and WorldCat. Resources are also available through interilibrary loan for more information email extcamp.library@wku.edu, call 800-922-9585 or by download a library resource packet.

Library Liaisons |Research Guides |Subject Guides |E-Journal Finder|WorldCat

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Accessing Information at WKU Libraries

First, make sure your cookies are enabled in your browser. Having your cookies enabled will allow you to move around through the various databases without having to reauthenticate. For additional instructions, make your selection from the list below:

Internet Explorer Users |Firefox Users |Mac Users

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Signing-in To Begin Your Search

How do I login off campus?

You can now access library databases off campus by logging in at the library website and inputting your assigned WKU email username and password. For example, if your email account is john.doe@wku.edu, you would log in with the username john.doe and your email password, the same way you log into your WKU email.

What if I don't know my WKU email username and password?

All faculty, staff, and students at WKU are assigned email accounts automatically. You can find out your email username by going to the WKU Accounts page. If you are an ajunct faculty member, contact the office associate in your department to have an account set up.

What if the login is not successful off campus?

Make sure you logged in using the "Off Campus Login" button and/or that cookies are enabled on your web browser.

Unfortunately, a few databases do not allow direct access and you will need to call our Reference Desk at (270) 745-6125 or email the WKU Libraries' Web Reference Service for a password for that specific database. When you call or email, please provide your full name and your WKU ID.

Proceed to Finding Articles

Distance Learning is a unit of the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach at WKU.