Search, evaluate, and reference
Through the library, you have access to a wide range of databases and search tools. This page provides an orientation in searching for information, evaluating the scholarly quality of sources, and managing references. Here you will also find pathways to in-depth guides and how to get help from library staff.
Access to the university's e-resourses
As a student or employee at Halmstad University, you have access to the e-resources that the University subscribes to, wherever you are. You can access the e-resources via the library's website. The library has created an information guide where you can read more about how to access the different e-resourses on campus or from home.
Searching
Search tools
OneSearch is the library’s primary search service for both print and digital material. It includes the university library’s books, e-books, and journals, as well as a large selection of articles and reports.
The service is well suited for exploratory searches on a topic, for locating a specific title, or for interdisciplinary subjects.
Subject databases
Subject databases are focused on individual subject areas and may yield different and more relevant results than OneSearch. They are also suited to more advanced and structured searching. A large proportion of the content consists of peer-reviewed journal articles, though other types of material may also be found.
The library’s guides include recommendations for subject-specific databases, large interdisciplinary databases, and specialist databases organised by subject.
Which search tool is the best fit?
| What are you looking for? | Recommended tool |
|---|---|
| Books and e-books | OneSearch |
| A specific article | 1. OneSearch 2. List of journals (search by journal title) |
| Articles on a subject | Subject database |
| Journals | OneSearch or List of journals |
| Theses and degree projects from Halmstad University | DiVA |
| Theses and degree projects from other Swedish universities | DiVA or Essays.se |
| Titles held at Swedish libraries | Libris |
| News material | Retriever Research (Mediearkivet) |
List of journals External link.
DiVA External link. (Halmstad University)
DiVA External link. (common search function for multiple Swedish universities and research institutions)
E-books
The library acquires a substantial number of e-books and also provides access to the e-book database Ebook Central, which contains a large collection of e-books across a range of subjects. The number of simultaneous users and the possibility of downloading e-books depends on the publisher’s terms.
Literature about Halland
On the first floor, the Halland Collection holds over 6,000 titles about the Halland region — searchable in OneSearch.
The Halland collection (Swedish info)
Evaluating
Critically examining the information you find and intend to use is essential. The library’s guide Värdera och granska källor offers tips, step-by-step methods, checklists, and answers to frequently asked questions.
The guide covers, amongst other things:
- a three-step approach to source criticism
- the differences between AI-generated content, search engines, and scholarly databases
- how to recognise and assess different source types: scholarly articles, theses, research reports, conference papers, and academic books
Värdera och granska källor External link. (In Swedish)
Referencing
In academic writing, you must cite the sources underpinning the information and arguments you present. The library’s guide Värdera och granska källor covers:
- why references are required and the consequences of plagiarism
- how to reference correctly in three steps
- how to reference AI tools
- the look of different referencing styles (e.g. APA, Harvard, IEEE)
- reference management software (EndNote, Zotero)
Help and guidance
If you have questions about searching, referencing, or evaluating sources, you can consult the library’s guides, visit the information desk, or use the online support service.
If you are writing a thesis or degree project, you can book a consultation with a librarian (duration about 45 minutes).
