Navigating Drexel University Library Resources: A Comprehensive Guide

Drexel University Libraries offer a wealth of resources to support research, teaching, and learning for students, faculty, and the wider community. From online databases and e-books to historical collections and archival materials, Drexel provides access to a vast range of information. This guide provides an overview of the resources and services available, with particular attention to access methods and specialized collections.

Accessing Online Resources

For online students, Drexel University Libraries offer full virtual access to resources, regardless of location. Here's how to navigate the online library system:

EZproxy Authentication

EZproxy is the primary service used to access most library resources. It's a type of IP-based authentication, meaning it verifies your connection through your Internet Protocol address.

Signing In: You sign in to EZproxy using your Drexel credentials, the same credentials used for one.drexel.edu and outlook.com.
Accessing Resources: Click any link in DragonSearch to be prompted for your Drexel credentials via EZproxy. You can also copy and paste the "prefix" provided by the library in front of any URL to ensure access through EZproxy.
Single Sign-On: Some resources may also be accessible via Single Sign-On, using your Drexel credentials.
Troubleshooting: If you encounter an error page stating, "Oops! You must use an EZproxy link to access the Libraries' subscriptions. You cannot use Drexel's IP addresses to access resources," ensure you are accessing the resource through an EZproxy link.

DragonSearch

DragonSearch is the main search interface for Drexel University Libraries. It allows you to search across a wide range of resources, including articles, e-journals, books, and databases.

General Searching: Start with general terms in the search box and use the filters on the left-hand side to refine your search.
Iterative Searching: Refine your search terms and filters to narrow down results.

Library Guides

Library guides are subject-specific resources created by liaison librarians. They provide guidance on research and citation, relevant databases, and academic and professional associations. Each guide includes the contact information of the subject's liaison librarian for further assistance.

Virtual Assistance

Librarians offer virtual assistance for research guidance and citation tips. Use the "chat" feature during chat hours for a quick response to general questions.

Key Databases and Resources

Drexel University Libraries subscribe to numerous databases and resources covering a wide range of disciplines. Here are some notable examples:

Academic Video Online: Premium: A multidisciplinary collection of videos covering various subject areas.
Altmetric Explorer: Tracks research publication citations in patents and policy documents, as well as mentions in social media, news media, and blogs. Generates reports for individual publications, authors, research groups, or schools based on data integrated with Drexel's Research Discovery repository.
America: History & Life with Full Text: A definitive database of literature covering the history and culture of the United States and Canada from prehistory to the present.
BrowZine: An interface that facilitates browsing of journal issues and retrieval of electronic full-text articles.
JSTOR: Provides full text for leading academic journals across the humanities, social sciences, and life sciences, as well as scholarly eBooks.
Nexis Uni: Contains legal, news, and business-related subjects.
New York Times: Offers the full text of the New York Times from 1980 to the present (without images).
U.S. Newsstream: Provides complete full-text content of local and regional news from 1983-present, including community events, schools, politics, government policies, cultural activities, local companies, state industries, and people in the community.
Proquest One Academic: A starting point for researching a topic, offering access to a wide range of scholarly content.
Visual History Archive: The Shoah Foundation's collection of audiovisual interviews with witnesses and survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides.
Web of Science: A resource for research in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Accessing Physical Resources

While online resources are plentiful, Drexel University Libraries also maintain physical collections at three locations in Philadelphia.

On-site Access: If you are local to Philadelphia, you can use the Libraries' resources in person.
Dragon Card: Flash your Dragon Card for entry. If you don’t have a Dragon Card, show a photo I.D. at the front desk during business hours, and public safety staff can assist you.

Distance Education Delivery

Drexel online students have full access to the Libraries' resources, including a vast collection of e-books and video content. If a digital version of a book is unavailable, the Libraries staff will ship the physical item to you. You are responsible for paying the postage to return the item.

Requesting Items: Select the book you want and click "Request this item" at the top of the page. Then, choose the "Distance Education Delivery" option under "Pickup Locations."

Specialized Collections and Archives

Drexel University is home to several unique libraries, collections, and archives. These resources serve not only the University but also local, national, and international communities.

Read also: Drexel University Scholarships

W.W. Hagerty Library Special Collections

Beginning with Drexel’s founding in 1891, this collection offers more than 6,000 works, with a particular focus on 19th-century European art.

Polish Poster Collection

One of the largest surveys of Soviet-era Polish posters within an institution in the United States. This collection offers an exceptional glimpse into mid-century graphic design.

University Archives

The Archives cares for records of enduring value related to the University’s history -- from administrative offices, academic departments, student groups, and papers of faculty, staff, and alumni/ae, as well as records about Anthony J.

Legacy Collections in the History of Women's Health

Special collections on the history of women in medicine, women's health, and homeopathic medicine, stemming from legacy schools including Hahnemann Medical College and Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, the first degree-granting medical school for women in the world.

The Academy Library and Archives

The Academy Library and Archives is internationally recognized for its collections documenting the historical development of the natural and environmental sciences.

Holdings: The Library holdings span five centuries (sixteenth century to the present) and include a wide array of books and periodicals. The Archives collections span four centuries (late seventeenth century to the present). They include manuscripts, field notebooks, correspondence, films, journals, photographs, art, and artifacts.
Searching: Items in the Library may be searched using the Drexel University Libraries catalog. The Archives collections may be searched using the Drexel Archival and Special Collections Database.
Digital Reproduction Services: Visit the Digital Reproduction Services page for more information on obtaining reproductions of materials.

Tips for Effective Research

Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to begin your research.
Explore Resources: Familiarize yourself with the various databases and collections available through Drexel University Libraries.
Refine Your Search: Iterate and refine your search terms to narrow down your results.
Seek Help: Don't hesitate to ask a librarian for assistance with research or citation.
Embrace the Challenge: "For every new challenge you might face at the library or doing research, give it the old college try for 20 minutes."

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