Go to the Edison State College Libraries' homepage. Find the “Resources” section, which includes links to the following resources:

1. Research Guides: these subject guides provide links to databases, reference works, websites, and other resources on various disciplines. 
2. Research Tutorial: this tutorial provides in depth instruction on conducting general research using ESCL search tools.
3. Understanding Plagiarism: this tutorial provides in depth instruction and resources on how to avoid plagiarizing.
4. Citation Guides: These online guides provide instructions for citing in the three major citation styles: MLA, APA, and Chicago.
5. Recommended Websites: This resource includes a list of reliable websites to use in scholarly research, as well as a link to Evaluating the Internet from the Research Tutorial.  

The Libraries provide two major research tools: the online catalog and subscription databases. Keep reading to learn how to access these search tools.

The online catalog is a search tool that lists resources owned by the Edison State College Libraries. These resources include print books, eBooks, DVDs, streaming videos, and print periodicals: scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers.

1. Go to the ESC Libraries' homepage.
2. Navigate to the box at the top of the screen. Click in the box that reads, Click To Enter Search, and enter your search terms. Click Search.
3. The catalog defaults to keyword searching; however, you may search by title, author, or subject as well.
4. Click on the titles of the resources you want to learn more about from the list of results.
5. Click on the subject links within each record to find related works.
6. Click on the campus link for location and availability information.
7. Click on the Request link to request a book that is checked out or located at another campus.
8. Write down the call number and location, and go get your resource.

EThe ESC Libraries subscribe to thousands of eBooks: electronic copies of books stored online, also called online books. Advantages of using eBooks include electronically searchable contents and instantaneous access from any place and at any time.

1. To access only eBooks from the online catalog, go to the ESC Libraries' homepage. Navigate to the box at the top of the screen. Click on the Advanced Search tab.
2. Limit your search to eBooks by selecting eBooks from the Format drop down menu.
3. Enter your search terms.
4. Click on the title of the eBook you want to access from the list of records.
5. Click on the link, "Click here to view this eBook. Access is restricted to valid borrowers."
6. Enter your Library Card borrower ID and pin number, and click Log on.

A subscription database is a collection of regularly updated scholarly journal, newspaper, and magazine articles. Databases also contain eBooks, reviews, reports, and primary sources. A full text database provides access to most articles in their entirety, which you can view, save, email, and print.

1. Go to the ESC Libraries' homepage. Navigate to the box at the top of the screen. Click on the Articles in Databases tab.
2. Enter your Library Card borrower ID and pin number, and click Log on.
3. Click on a particular subject category to learn which databases support research in that subject, or click on the Alphabetical tab to view a list of all subscription databases in alphabetical order.
4. Click on the title of the database you want to search, and click Connect to Database.
5. Enter your search terms and click search, go, or start.

ESC Librarians are available to help you with your research. Do not hesitate to email, call, or drop by an ESC Library for help. For librarian contact information, click on Request Instruction Session from the ESC Libraries' homepage. If the Libraries are closed, consult Ask a Librarian.

Ask a Librarian is a free online chat service staffed by academic librarians throughout the State of Florida to help students with their research. Use this interactive service when you need research assistance right away, in real time, and the ESC Libraries are closed, or a librarian is not on duty.

1. Click on the Ask a Librarian icon from the ESC Libraries' homepage.
2. Click on chat with a librarian.
3. Enter the requested information, and click Chat.