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.
- Moodle course «Literaturrecherche» (in German - ZHAW Login required)
- Moodle course «Literaturbewertung» (in German - ZHAW Login required)
- MOOC DigiLit (in German)
- Leaflet on literature research and acquisition (PDF 178,3 KB) (in German)
Discipline-specific information
Here, you will find an overview of relevant discipline-specific databases, journals, reference works and further literature.
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.
Reference service at the University Library Winterthur
- Virtual reference service via MS Teams by appointment
dates are possible from Mon to Fri, 12 p.m.–2 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.–6.30 p.m. - On-site consultation
from Mon to Fri, 12 p.m.–2 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.–6.30 p.m.
at the research advice desk on the 1st mezzanine level of the library - We respond to written requests within three working days
Reference service at the University Library Zurich
- Virtual reference service via MS Teams by appointment
- On-site consultation
Tue and Thu, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
on the entrance floor of the library - We respond to written requests within three working days
Reference service at the University Library Wädenswil
- New: Virtual reference service via MS Teams every Tuesday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (without appointment).
- Virtual reference service via MS Teams by appointment.
- No on-site consultation until further notice.
- We respond to written requests within three working days.
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.