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Databases and Subject Research Guides

Find scholarly, peer-reviewed and specialized databases to support your research.

Library Collections and Media

Search Scholarly Resources

This page connects you to the Library’s scholarly research resources and support. Whether you’re starting a topic, looking for credible sources or building a deeper research project, you’ll find tools designed to help you explore ideas, evaluate information and work with confidence across disciplines. Library staff are also available to guide you whenever questions come up.

Get Research Help

Have questions about research or need help refining a topic? Chat with a librarian for real-time support.

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Subject Research Guides

Cal State Monterey Bay’s librarians have curated collections of research tools tailored to specific academic fields. Whether you’re writing a paper, preparing for a capstone or exploring a new topic, these subject-specific guides help you discover databases, journals, e-books and web resources relevant to your studies.

  • Anthropology and Archaeology
    Explore human cultures, societies and historical artifacts through ethnographies, excavation reports and scholarly articles.
  • Art and Art History
    Access image collections, critical essays and exhibition catalogs covering visual arts, movements and theory.
  • Biology
    Find peer-reviewed journals and research tools focused on genetics, ecology, molecular biology and more.
  • Business
    Access scholarly articles, industry reports, market data and company information supporting research in business, finance and management.
  • Chemistry
    Locate articles, chemical data and lab protocols in organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry.
  • Computing
    Explore databases for computer science, cybersecurity, software development and data analysis.
  • Earth Sciences
    Research topics like geology, climatology, oceanography and earth system processes.
  • Economics
    Access economic theory, statistics and data related to markets, labor and policy.
  • Education
    Find classroom strategies, educational theory and tools for future teachers and researchers in learning science.
  • Environmental Science and Studies
    Explore interdisciplinary resources on sustainability, ecosystems, conservation and climate change.
  • Ethnic and Cultural Studies
    Focus on the histories, contributions and experiences of diverse cultural and racial communities.
  • Gender Studies
    Research gender identity, sexuality, feminist theory and intersectional issues in society.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    Includes mapping tools, spatial data, and applications of GIS technology in various disciplines.
  • Health and Wellness
    Resources on public health, nutrition, fitness and preventive care, supporting both academic and personal exploration.
  • History
    Access primary sources, historical records and scholarly analysis from ancient to contemporary periods.
  • Kinesiology
    Find studies on human movement, biomechanics, physical education and sports science.
  • Labor Studies
    Research labor relations, workplace equity, employment law and labor history.
  • Languages and Linguistics
    Explore language structure, acquisition, translation and sociolinguistics.
  • Literature
    Includes literary criticism, author biographies and full-text access to classic and contemporary works.
  • Marine Science
    Investigate ocean ecosystems, marine biology, coastal dynamics and ocean policy.
  • Mathematics and Statistics
    Access journals and tools in pure and applied math, as well as data analysis resources.
  • Media Studies and Journalism
    Research media ethics, communication theory, journalism practices and digital media trends.
  • Multimedia and Graphic Design
    Resources for design theory, visual communication, software tools and portfolio development.
  • Music
    Find scores, recordings and critical writing on music history, performance and theory.
  • Nursing
    Evidence-based databases for nursing practice, pharmacology, patient care and health assessment.
  • Philosophy and Religion
    Explore moral philosophy, world religions, critical theory, and theological texts.
  • Physics
    Research topics in classical and modern physics, including quantum theory and applied mechanics.
  • Political Science and Law
    Covers government systems, international relations, legal studies and policy analysis.
  • Psychology
    Access behavioral science databases, clinical research and psychological theory.
  • Public Policy
    Explore law, social programs, governance and policy analysis tools.
  • Social Work
    Resources for practice, advocacy, case management and community service.
  • Sociology and Social Issues
    Analyze societal structures, inequality, social theory and current events.
  • Theater Arts
    Find scripts, production archives, performance reviews and scholarly theater analysis.

Research Databases

Cal State Monterey Bay students, faculty and staff have access to a wide range of research tools to support coursework, research and creative projects across disciplines. Start by exploring resources organized by subject, or browse the complete A-Z list.

  • Academic Video Online (AVON)
    Stream documentaries, interviews and educational videos across disciplines, including business, social sciences, arts and global studies.
  • Swank Motion Pictures
    Feature films licensed for classroom and educational use.

Statistical Information

Access credible statistics and datasets for research in business, health, education, demographics and more. Curated for student use across disciplines.

Broad data sources covering population, demographics and multi-topic statistics.

National statistics on employment, inflation, industry performance and more.

State and regional statistics, including data for the Central Coast.

Statistics on K-12 and higher education at state and national levels.

Data on children’s well-being, education and demographics.

Health statistics at local, national, and global levels.

Data from CSUMB and the California State University system.

Crime statistics from federal and state sources.

Country-level data and global indicators from official sources.

Data on agriculture, energy, environment and research.

Gender-focused data on education, health and equality.

Durable Links to Articles and eBooks

Durable links help you reliably access library articles and eBooks over time. They point directly to a record or full-text resource and ensure continued access, even from off campus.

To allow Cal State Monterey Bay students, faculty, and staff to access full-text resources when they are not on campus, durable links must include the CSUMB proxy prefix. This prompts users to sign in with their OtterID and password if they are not already authenticated.

Most library databases provide built-in durable links (sometimes called permalinks or bookmarks). Follow the steps below to create one.

Open the Full Record

From your database search results, click the title of the article or eBook that shows HTML or PDF full text is available.

Copy the Durable Link

In the article record, look for a link labeled Permalink, Bookmark, or Document URL. This link is usually located on the right side of the page or near the bottom of the record.

Examples include:

  • GALE: Permalink option in the right-hand toolbar
  • EBSCO: Permalink in the right-hand tools menu
  • ProQuest: Document URL near the article details

(Copy the link provided by the database — do not use the browser’s address bar unless noted below.)

Add the CSUMB Proxy Prefix

To enable off-campus access, add the following prefix to the beginning of the durable link:

https://csumb.idm.oclc.org/login?url=

Example of a complete durable link:

https://csumb.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/815282959?accountid=10355

Tip: Some permalinks already include part or all of the proxy information. If you see these elements in the link (even in a different order), you do not need to add the prefix again.

Some databases allow durable links to be created directly from the browser’s address bar.

In some cases, you may see a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), such as:

10.1016/j.chb.2010.04.025

This DOI can often be used as a stable link to the article.

If no permalink or DOI is provided:

  • Open the article’s PDF or full-text view
  • Copy the URL from your browser’s address bar

To ensure off-campus access, remember to add the CSUMB proxy prefix to the beginning of the URL.

https://csumb.idm.oclc.org/login?url=

OneSearch allows you to create stable links to individual items or to sets of search results. These links can be shared on web pages, in course materials, or in guides.

Link to a Single Item

Use this method to link directly to a specific article, book, eBook, video, or other item.

  • Search for the item in OneSearch and select Articles or Books & Media (CSUMB) as your search scope
  • From the results list, click the title of the item to open the full record
  • In the full record, find the Permalink icon and select it
  • Copy and paste the permalink into your web page

Linking to an eBook

To link directly to an eBook:

  • Open the item’s full record in OneSearch
  • Right-click the link labeled “Full text available at”
  • Copy the link location and use it on your web page

Creating Keyword or Advanced Search Links

You can also create links that run a search automatically and display a set of results.

Keyword Search Links

Use this option to link to results for a specific topic or keyword.

  • Search OneSearch using your keyword
  • Select Books & Media (CSUMB) as the search scope
  • Apply any filters or refinements using the options on the left side of the results page
  • Copy the URL from your browser’s address bar
  • Use this URL as a durable link on your web page

Advanced Search Links

Use Advanced Search to create more targeted or complex searches, such as a curated list of books and videos on a topic.

  • Build your search using OneSearch Advanced Search
  • When the results page loads, copy the URL from your browser
  • Use this URL as the durable link on your web page

Course Guides

Find research guides tailored to specific Cal State Monterey Bay courses. These guides include links to readings, databases and tools to support assignments and projects.

Find Course Guides

Research Consultation

Librarian subject selectors provide personalized research support aligned with specific subjects and academic programs. Schedule a one-on-one consultation to get help with topic development, research strategies, sources and citations.

Find a Subject Librarian
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Get in Touch

Library staff provide support for research, coursework and access to resources. Contact the library to connect with the help you need.

Chat with a Librarian

Get help finding sources, citing your work and using research tools. Chat with a CSUMB librarian in real time for personalized support.

Start a Chat

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Library Circulation Desk