Research and Instruction

To speak with a Librarian, use Ask Us 24/7 chat, schedule a virtual consultation, or submit a ticket. Our FAQ page provides answers to common reference questions.

The library offers access to online self-guided information literacy tutorials through Percipio and ProQuest Research Companion and offers virtual workshops.

For tips in getting started with discipline-specific research, view Rensselaer's Library Guides.

Use our Discovery Platform to search multiple places at once, including:

• The Rensselaer Libraries' Catalog
• The Libraries' Databases, which contain a vast collection of articles and other materials, including many available in full text.
• Rensselaer Digital Assets

Use the Rensselaer Libraries' Catalog to search for materials we own, subscribe to, or have on order, including:

• Books (print books and e-books)
• Journal titles
• Rensselaer technical reports
• Musical scores
• DVDs, videos, CDs, vinyl records, and software
• Rensselaer theses and dissertations from 1855 to the present
• Links to electronic journals, e-books, government documents, and reference materials

A-Z Database List

Rensselaer faculty, staff, and students have access to many online databases where they can find both discipline-specific and multi-discipline research materials.

Rensselaer is a member of PALCI, a consortium of academic institutions that share library materials so authorized users can borrow books and selected materials from other members' collections. To request materials, use the combined catalog and authenticate with your RCS ID and password. 

For more information, visit the EZBorrow information page.

Open access (OA) refers to freely accessible, digital, online information. It is a movement toward increased democratization of information, knowledge, and innovation.

The libraries' Open Access library guide includes:

• Open Access basics
• Finding OA content
• OA publishing, in general, and at RPI
• Open repositories

Make an online appointment with the Center for Global Communication+Design for assistance:

• Working on a data visualization or other visual design project
• Starting your essay assignment
• Redesigning your resume before the Career Fair
• Designing slides for your class presentation
• Making sure the paper you wrote makes sense