As the Spring Semester is in full swing, you might be starting to research topics for upcoming assignments and papers. One of the first steps in the research process is choosing a topic, identifying keywords, and beginning to search for resources.

If you are having trouble choosing keywords, you can find useful Self-Guided Help Tutorials under the Research Help Tab on the Library website.

The following tutorials/LibGuides are a great starting point if you are new to research and the library:

• What to Put in a Search Box
• Using QuickSearch
• Internet Searching
• Using the Library Catalog

Navigating different information retrieval systems can be different. The tutorials above will guide you on how to search effectively, regardless of whether you are using our library website and catalog or an internet search engine.

If you are still having trouble after reviewing the above tutorials and need more help brainstorming topics and /or keywords, do not hesitate to reach out to a librarian; you can always Ask Us! or Schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Subject Librarian.

Be aware that if you need help editing your writing, the UAA Learning Commons, which is located on the first floor of the APU/UAA Consortium Library, is home to the Writing Center. There, you can connect with a tutor either in-person or online by appointment.

Good luck with all your research endeavors!

The UAA/APU Consortium library has a plethora of Maps available to students and public patrons a like.

Below are locations for where you can locate Maps physically in the library:

1st Floor ARLIS (The Alaska Resources Library & Information Services)

• ARLIS Maps Guide

2nd Floor Map Area Between the General Collection A-N.

2nd Floor Alaskana Collection located in the South East corner opposite the General collection P-Q. 

2nd Floor Government Documents located between the Alaskana Collection.

It is important to note that the maps can be catalogued either using Library of Congress Classification (LCC) numbers or Superintendent of Documents Classification (SuDocs) numbers. 

If performing a search in our Catalogue or Quick Search here are some keywords you can use in your search query:

• cartography AND (insert location)
• cartography AND (insert type of map)

Examples of types of maps: 

Climate Maps

Historic Maps

Physical Maps

Thematic Maps

Topographic Maps

• cartography AND visualization
• cartography AND visualization of spatial data
• geography
• maps
• nautical charts (maps charting waterways)

Interested in Journals that discuss Geography and Cartography, check out the Journals below:

Geography is available via  JSTOR.

Geography and Environment is available via ProQuest.

Geography, Environment, Sustainability is available via DOAJ.

The Consortium Library also has useful LibGuides at your disposal:

Maps at the Consortium Library

Geography LibGuide

Geography and Environmental Studies Archival Collections LibGuide

Mapping and Surveying Archival Collections LibGuide

Can’t find what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to ASK US!

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere. Even if someone wanted to ignore AI ‘s existence, it would be extremely difficult to do so. Below are links to AI tools, courses, and library resources that are available to UAA Students. These can serve as a starting point for those who are not familiar with AI.

Tools

Many AI tools have a free limited version or require a paid subscription, as a student at UAA you have free access to Google Gemini chat, Microsoft Copilot chat, and Zoom ai Companion through your UAA account.

For information on how to access these tools, feel free to check out the University of Alaska’s GenAI Tools for the UA Community page.

Courses

UAA’s College of Engineering (CoEng) offers a fundamentals class that is geared towards those without a computing background entitled: Applied AI Fundamentals: A Skills-Based Course. Higher level courses and programs are also available, for more information check out UAA’s CoEng’s webpage.

Library Resources

AI related Topic Guides are available on UAA Consortium’s Library Website:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) LibGuide: provides information about various AI tools, tips on how to use AI tools effectively and how to cite Generative AI in various citation formats.
Academic Integrity & AI: provides information on Academic Integrity related to AI use, information on how to avoid plagiarism and UAA and APU Policies.

Student Considerations

As a student when considering using AI tools it is important to keep in mind:

• UAA’s Generative AI Security Standards
• Student Code of Conduct
• Academic Integrity 

If you need assistance with Generative AI Tools, UAA’s ITS Service Center can assist you.

As the start of the Fall 2025 semester is in full swing, you may be starting to feel stressed out or overwhelmed. Don’t let negative thoughts take over. The staff at the Information and Research Help Desk are available in person, via text, phone, email, and chat to assist you with all of your reference needs. 

Need subject specific research help? Make an appointment with a subject librarian to get one- on-one assistance. 

Need help writing or editing a research paper? The Learning Common’s Writing Center offers in-person, zoom and email writing consultations and is located on the ground floor of the Consortium Library.

Start the semester off with a positive mindset and don’t hesitate to ASK US. 

Knowing what type of source you are reading is important for deciding whether to use the information you gain from that source in a research paper or an assignment. Three common types of Publication Sources include:

• Popular Magazines & Newspapers
• Scholarly Journals
• Trade and Professional Publications

Professors typically have a preference to what type of source you must use for an assignment. They will usually explain this in the assignment guidelines. If you are unsure, make sure to contact your Professor directly for clarification.  For help understanding the difference between a Scholarly Source and a Popular Source, the following LibGuide is available for Students to access: Scholarly vs Popular Sources.

It is also important to note that just because something is published does not mean it is peer- reviewed. Individual Publications have their process for selecting and publishing material. Another important fact to note is that just because something is published in a Scholarly Journal does not make it automatically peer-reviewed. For help determining if a source is peer-reviewed, the following LibGuide is available: Peer Review.

Still need clarification, The Research Help Desk is available to answer any questions or concerns, ASK US, in person, via phone, online chat or email.