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New to "U"? (University of Central Florida Libraries)

Whether you're a new "DirectConnect to UCF" transfer student or a new transfer student from another college or university, here's information to help you locate the library resources you'll need for research assignments.

Welcome to UCF Libraries!

We're delighted you're here, and want to make sure you're familiar with the many resources and services of UCF Libraries. As a DirectConnect to UCF new transfer student or a transfer student from any other college or university, we understand you may have experience using some academic library resources, and while there are similarities, each library is also a bit unique. Additionally, as you move into upper-division assignments in your major, you'll find some great resources you might not have ever used before, including databases geared to your major course of study as well as helpful and friendly subject librarians who are knowledgeable about your major and assignments. 

We want to make sure you know about the great research tools you have access to here, so this guide will help you navigate (in person and online) UCF library resources and services. You can also Ask Us questions by email, text, or live chat. 

The following video provides a brief overview, specifically for new transfer students.

"Transfer (and Build) on What You Know"" UCF Libraries for Transfer Students

Top 10 Tips for Students New to UCF Libraries:

  1. As a multi-campus institution, UCF also has multiple libraries, with the John C. Hitt Library on the Orlando campus being the largest. 
  2. The Curriculum Materials Center, or CMC,  is the other library on the Orlando campus and located in the Education building. You'll find graphic novels, children's books, a 3D scanner and 3D printer, among other resources in their Production Lab. 
  3. UCF students are are welcome to use libraries at all branch campus and "UCF Connect" campus locations.  Additionally, UCF librarians are available at Valencia College, Seminole State College, Daytona State College and Eastern Florida State College to assist you with your research. 
  4. Regardless of your location - or if you're taking all of your classes online - your NID (Network ID) and NID password provide you access to online library resources, such as databases and full-text eBooks, 24/7/365.
  5. Find out who your subject librarian is, and arrange to meet with your librarian to learn about library resources that may be new to you.
  6. Make sure to bring your student ID; it's your library card and at some locations, it's also your copy card.
  7. Check to see if the library has your course textbook on reserve: https://reserves.catalog.fcla.edu/cf.jsp
  8. Check out laptops, cameras, headphones, chargers, and more at the LibTech desk (on the 2nd floor) of the John C. Hitt Library; see what's available at https://library.ucf.edu/technology-lending/
  9. Scan documents for free at the John C. Hitt Library using the library's scanners on the 2nd and 3rd floors 
  10. Place a request for a book or article you need; even if our library doesn't own it, we can try to get it for you; use this link https://library.ucf.edu/services/borrowing-from-other-libraries/