How to Navigate Park Library's Website for Help and Key Services

Park Library's site at parklibrary.mj.unc.edu organizes everything around one main hub: Central Resources. If you need research databases, equipment, course or subject guides, or a librarian appointment, start there. The sections below map each service to where it lives and what you can expect to find.

Start With Central Resources

"Central Resources" is the primary navigation block on the site and the fastest route to most services. It groups the library's offerings into these areas:

• Equipment — reserve library equipment for student use.
• Scholarly Articles — research databases and search tools.
• News — current and historical news sources.
• Guides & Tools — course guides, subject guides, and reference tools.
• Reserve Equipment — the direct booking entry point.
• How to Use Our Resources — instructions for accessing materials.
• Standards & Policies — the rules that apply to student use.
• Connect to VPN — remote access setup for off-campus use.

If you only remember one thing, remember this block: it is the site's central index.

Find Research Databases and Articles

Under the Scholarly Articles area, the library lists specific databases and search options:

For data and reference tools, the Guides & Tools area points to Simmons Insights, Statista, and the AP Stylebook Online.

Key point: off-campus access to these databases generally requires the VPN. Use the "Connect to VPN" link in Central Resources before trying to open subscription databases from outside campus.

Get Help From a Librarian

The site offers a direct help path rather than a general contact form:

1. Go to the Need Help? section.
2. Select Schedule an Appointment.
3. Choose Schedule at Davis to book a session.

This is the recommended route for research questions, database troubleshooting, or guidance on using a specific tool. If your question is about equipment rather than research, use Reserve Equipment instead.

Use Course and Subject Guides

Two guide types sit under Guides & Tools:

• Course Guides — tied to specific classes and assignments.
• Subject Guides — organized by topic or discipline.

Start with a course guide if your instructor pointed you to one; use a subject guide when you need an overview of resources in an area like media studies or business journalism.

Additional Resources and Free Subscriptions

Beyond the main research tools, the site lists:

• Access Libby and a Libby Help Guide — for digital reading access.
• Free NYT Subscription — a New York Times subscription offered through the library.
• Free WP Subscription — a Washington Post subscription offered through the library.

Follow the individual links for activation steps, since each subscription service has its own sign-up process.

Stay Current With News & Events

The News & Events section carries library announcements, such as the launch of the redesigned website and background on Rory, the library's mascot. Check here for changes to services, new resources, or operational updates that affect how you access materials.

Quick Navigation Summary

The site's structure is intentionally flat: nearly every service is one click from Central Resources, so that block is the right starting point for almost any task.