Tutorials

Intro to UFLIB: Exploring the Libraries Website

After this video, you’ll be able to find the libraries website, identify key library resources and services, access the library information you need, and be able to contact us if you have any questions.

To find the libraries website you can search ‘UF Libraries’ or visit the website directly at uflib.ufl.edu.

At the very top of the page, it says ‘UF Libraries Home’, with a down arrow – this is a global menu, across all the library sites, and you can use this to get back the main homepage. The Search box on the top right of the page searches the site – if you would like to search our resources, you’ll need to use the Libraries Quick Search box under the navigation bar.

The navigation headers are (1) Using the Libraries, with info on hours and Off-Campus Access, Accessibility Services, Inclusive Spaces and more, (2) Find, where you can find different types of information sources such as databases and journals, (3) My Accounts, where you can renew materials and request items using interlibrary loan, (4) Libraries and Collections, which links to each of the UF libraries, (5) About, where you can find user policies, (6) Contact Us, which has contact info and subject guide links for all your librarians, and (7) Hours, which is a quick link to all the different library hours.

On the right hand side is the Ask Us button, which you can use to chat with a library expert.

The homepage also includes the Library Events calendar, the Featured Library Exhibit, the latest Library News and Highlights, and also some helpful Quick Links at the bottom of the page. Finally, we have a location map, social media links and general contact information.

You can find more tutorials on the libraries tutorials page.

This video was created by the Information Literacy Committee.

Intro to UFLIB: Connecting to the VPN.

After viewing this video, you’ll be able to locate instructions to download and install the VPN, login, and use the VPN to connect to online library resources. You’ll also learn how to identify who to contact if the VPN is not working for you.

The Virtual Private Network, the VPN allows you to access library resources from anywhere. You can connect to the UF network by downloading and installing the free Cisco AnyConnect software onto your device. Installing this software is an important step to gaining off-campus access to millions of online resources.

By clicking “off-campus access”, you will find a link to the installation instructions.

Each operating system has its own unique instructions. Select the installation guide for your device and follow the instructions to download the desktop software or mobile app.

After installing the desktop software or mobile app, launch Cisco AnyConnect. Connect to vpn.ufl.edu, and then use your Gatorlink ID and password to authenticate.

You will need to use two-factor authentication to login. You will find more information on two-factor authentication on UFITs frequently asked questions page.

You will need to launch the Cisco AnyConnect software, login, and authenticate with two-factor authentication every time you’d like to connect to the UF network.

If you have any issues downloading or installing the software, you can contact the UF HelpDesk for assistance. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can call (352) 392-HELP or email helpdesk@ufl.edu.

You can find more tutorials on the libraries tutorials page.

This video was created by the Information Literacy Committee.

Intro to UFLIB: Contacting a Subject Specialist

After this video, you’ll be able to identify and contact your subject specialist, locate research guides related to your major or course, describe examples of research support, and navigate to the Ask A Librarian chat service.

The libraries have subject specialists who you can think of as information experts. They can connect you with specialized resources in your area. Email them with questions or to set up an appointment for one-on-one help.

To locate your subject specialist, start at the UF Libraries homepage at uflib.ufl.edu. Click on “Contact Us” and then “Subject/Area Specialists.” Once you get to the subject specialist page, click on the subject area related to your area of study to find the name and contact information of your librarian.

Every subject specialist curates online research guides that pull together many of the best resources in a particular area. Find the research guide related to your major now to save a lot of time and effort while working on projects and papers later.

To find research guides from the library homepage, click “Find” on the navigation bar and then select “Research Guides” from the drop down menu. This will lead you back to our subject/area specialists page where you can click on the linked specialty name such as “Advertising” or “African American Studies.” This will take you to the research guide in your discipline.

You might be wondering what kinds of things your library subject specialist can help you with. Narrowing the scope of your research, developing search terms and strategies, searching for books and peer reviewed journal articles, evaluating sources, identifying relevant primary sources and archival materials, and citing sources – the list goes on.

For immediate assistance from a librarian, click “Contact us” from the navigation bar, and then click  “Ask a Librarian” from the drop-down menu. From there you will find a page with options to text, call, email or live chat with a librarian. You can also click on the orange “Ask Us!” tab on the right-hand side of the library homepage that will bring out our pop-up chat widget.

You can find more tutorials on the libraries tutorials page.

This video was created by the Information Literacy Committee.