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Get Started with Library Research

For additional help, use the Ask Us service.

Search Everything is the default search on the library homepage. It allows you to search all of the library's resources on a topic: books, films, journal articles, etc. Subject-specific databases give fewer, more focused results and often provide search tools unique to a subject or discipline (e.g. search by research methodology, scripture citation, or company name). Use Databases A-Z to browse all databases relevant to your subject area.

  1. Use the Search Everything tab on the library homepage to locate the item.

  2. For online books and media, click on the full text link to read or listen to the content.

  3. For physical books and media, look for the call number to locate the item in the stacks.

  4. Additionally, Biola members can request physical books and media items to be held for pickup at the Information Desk or mailed to their U.S. home. See Library Pickup Service or Mail to Home Service for more information.

  1. Note the name of the publication in which the article can be found - the journal, magazine or newspaper.

  2. Use Journals A-Z to search for the publication title (not the article title).

  3. Results will indicate if the publication can be found online through a library database. If available, note the publication date and select the appropriate database to view the article.

To find theses and dissertations, use one of the following databases:

  • ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global is the world's most comprehensive collection of full-text dissertations and theses. It also contains Biola dissertations published after 1996 (Rosemead dissertations published after 1975).
  • Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN) TREN contains theological thesis/dissertation titles representing research from as many as 70 different institutions. Most of the TREN collection from 2000 to the present is available online. Special instructions: Search by keyword (or its synonyms) in the title search box for the most comprehensive results. After you have found a thesis or dissertation, click on "Add this Digital e-Doc to the Biola University subscription (Download this document now)." The password is "biola".

If the material you need is unavailable through the Biola library, eligible users may use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to request it from another library. Book chapters and articles only available in a print format can also be requested through ILL and will be delivered digitally. All other items must be picked up in person at the Biola Library. See Use Interlibrary Loan for more information.