Search support - Courses
The ZHAW University Library offers search support by providing materials, discipline-specific information, consulting and courses.
“The library team is always helpful and offers great support whenever I have any queries on literature or searches.”
Verena Berger, Research Associate
“The University Library holding is up-to-date, digital and comprehensive. This means that I have access to virtually all research findings in my field.”
Markus Hackenfort, Lecturer
“The Library literature search options are a great help for my teaching.”
Alexander Mertes, Research Associate
Search tips
Here you will find general advice on search strategies. If you are looking for specific tips on databases related to your area, please consult the discipline-specific information.
Structuring a search
A well-structured search basically consists of preparation, execution and repetition.
The preparation phase, however, is particularly important. By preparing a search well, you should be able to avoid frustration in the execution phase and obtain the results you require faster.
Since a search is an iterative process, the terms you discover become increasingly relevant and lead to more and more successful results.
Search process in detail (PDF 1,0 MB) (in German)
Discipline-specific information
Here, you will find an overview of relevant discipline-specific databases, journals, reference works and further literature.
Applied Linguistics (in German)
Architecture, Design and Civil Engineering (in German)
Chemistry and Life Sciences (in German)
Engineering (in German)
Facility Management (in German)
Health (in German)
Law (in German)
Press, Companies, Markets (in German)
Psychology (in German)
Social Work, Social Sciences, Education Science (in German)
Interdisciplinary information sources (in German)
Reference service
- You need literature on a specific topic and have the feeling that you could improve your search strategies.
- You have a project topic and don’t know where to begin your search.
- You’ve discovered a database which would be ideal for your research topic but you’re not sure how to find your way.
Virtual reference service
You can ask questions by filling in and submitting our electronic search query form. You will receive an answer within three working days.
Search query form (in German)
University Library Winterthur - Reference desk
- On 1st mezzanine level in the library
- Consulting hours: Mon–Fri 12 p.m.–2 p.m. and 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
Different consulting hours
University Library Zurich - Reference desk
- On the entrance floor in the library
- Consulting hours: Wed and Thu 11 a.m.–1 p.m. or date by arrangement
Different consulting hours
Courses
In addition to the introductory sessions and more detailed training courses on information competence which students attend as part of their studies, the University Library offers various optional courses.
University Library course programme (ZHAW login required - in German)
Materials for courses that have already taken place are available on the corresponding Moodle course (in German). ZHAW members can self-register to access these.