Get Research Help

Learning how to locate information is a valuable skill, not only for your academic career, but for your life. When you break down the research process into manageable steps, you will have the tools you need to inform yourself on any topic or issue.

Our Getting Started Libguide will help you start this process, and our other LibGuides will guide you to recommended sources for specific classes and subject areas.

Contact a librarian if you need assistance – we’re always glad to help!

Here are some quick hints:

Magazine and Journal Articles:

  • The Mott Library offers online databases with articles from a wide variety of magazines, journals and newspapers.
  • Our Online_Resources page has links to the most popular databases. For more specialized research, visit our A - Z Databases LibGuide and select from over 70 different databases with descriptions. If you don’t know which ones to use, check our other LibGuides to find out which databases are recommended for your classes, or ask a librarian.
  • For off campus access, you will be prompted to enter the 14 digit number above the barcode on your MCC ID card.

Books

  • Use our Library Catalog to locate books owned by Mott Library. You can search for title, author, subject, or course reserve materials.
  • You can also use the catalog to locate and request books owned by Baker College and Kettering University. To do this, select “all libraries” instead of “Mott Library” from the drop down menu to the right of the search box. To place a hold on a Baker or Kettering book, you will need to supply both the 7-digit number and the 14-digit number from your MCC ID card. Requested books will be delivered to the Mott Library for you to pick up in 1-5 days.
  • Mott students who need a Baker or Kettering book sooner than that may visit Baker or Kettering campuses and check out books with their MCC ID card and a photo ID. To access Kettering’s Academic Building and library, you will need to check in with their Campus Safety office (810-762-9501).
  • E-books on many topics are available 24/7 using the Mott Library's Online Resources. Check out the Ebsco eBook Community College Collection, the Gale Virtual Reference Library, and Salem Press ebooks for relevant titles. From offcampus locations, you will be prompted to sign in using the 14-digit number on your MCC ID card.
  • Project Gutenberg is a free online source for many older books which are no longer under copyright.
  • If a book is not available through Mott, Baker, or Kettering, Mott students and employees can use the Michigan Electronic Library’s MELCat service to locate and request books from other libraries throughout the state. You will need the 14-digit number on your MCC ID to place such requests.
  • For any book not available through MELCat, we offer staff-assisted interlibrary loan.