Find your library
Libraries are organizations that have been tasked with helping local community members find the information, knowledge and skills they need. Wikipedia is a free research tool, helping readers check information and find research materials. Librarians are trained to help members of the public use tools like Wikipedia as part of the life-long learning. By going to your local library or asking questions of librarians online, your can learn how to better find and use the information you need, when you need it; many librarian can also help you use Wikipedia more effectively (librarians can click here to learn more about teaching).
This page outlines different strategies for finding and engaging your library to help with your own research, whether for your personal research or to help contribute to Wikipedia. After all, Wikipedia is a summary of information from reliable research materials. To learn more about using Wikipedia in Research see our Research Help page.
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- Libraries provide print books and other research materials
- Libraries subscribe to online databases and other electronic resources, providing free access to materials that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive
- Libraries provide research guides and other educational resources that help users learn how to research better
- Librarians teach instructional sessions on a variety of topics, from information literacy to use of specific resources and more
- Librarians answer reference questions and help find materials on a particular topic
- Libraries often have free internet or computer access
- Some libraries lend tech resources like iPads or cameras
- Some libraries provide a current awareness service to allow users to keep up-to-date on new scholarly literature
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- WorldCat includes a Find a Library tool which is especially helpful for US or Canadian libraries but also includes others from around the world.
- ipl2 lists several library directories to help you find nearby libraries.
- Culture Grid has a searchable database of UK libraries
- LibrarySpot has a list of national libraries
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- Get a library card! At most public libraries this is free if you can show that you live in the library's geographic area. Some National Libraries provide digital services and/or a library card as well.
- Explore the library website! Libraries in many parts of the world provide online access to resources for those with a library card or those visiting the library.
- Make use of interlibrary loan. Even if your local library does not have a particular book or journal, they can often borrow a copy from another library. At many libraries this service is free for members.
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- Check out our list of free online resources
Wikipedia editors also can acquire Library resources from other members of the Wikipedia community. Try:
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- Exploring The Wikipedia Library
- Requesting a source at the Resource Exchange
- Finding shared Wikipedia community library resources