Health Guide Ask Us

Welcome to the Health research guide!

Here you'll find resources and guidance as you work through the research process to complete your assignments and course work. As the field of health is interdisciplinary, we recommend starting with this guide, but consulting other relevant subject guides as needed. 

Use the tabs along the top of this guide (or choose from the "switch section" drop-down on a mobile device) to find resources, tools, and tips available through UNB Libraries' subscriptions or free public websites. If you're stuck or want to discuss how to improve your work, contact one of the librarians listed on this guide. 

The creation of this guide was informed by the work of librarians at York University:

• Coady, C. & Bell, N. (2025, June 11). Guide glow-up: How to rethink and revitalize Libguides for student success. Workshop for Instruction in Library Use (WILU). https://macblog.mcmaster.ca/wilu2025/schedule/.  
• Social work. (2026, July 6). York University Libraries. https://researchguides.library.yorku.ca/socialwork 

What sources do I need?

The type of information and sources you'll need to complete an assignment or project will vary. Review your syllabus or assignment details to determine what you need; ask your professor if it's unclear or you're uncertain on what they mean.

The following table and sections outline different types of sources, why you'd consider using them, and how to access to find them. 

Finding Articles: Health databases

Start your search in the following health databases to find scholarly articles on health topics.

Learn how to search effectively in the "Plan your Search" section.

Finding Articles: Interdisciplinary databases

Consider these suggested databases if you are searching on a topic of interest to different disciplines.

Finding Articles: Indigenous health databases

Consult the Indigenous Health guide for relevant databases if you're searching on a topic related to Indigenous peoples.

Finding Books

UNB Worldcat is the library catalogue which is how you can look for print books and/or e-books on your topic. Other types of sources like journal articles and reports will show up in your search results unless you filter them out using the filters on the left-hand side (or under "Group & Refine this Search" on a mobile device). 

How do I get library help if I need it?

The research process and searching for scholarly sources can be challenging, especially if you're just starting out at university, or navigating a new topic. We don't expect you to know everything or "get it" after one presentation from a librarian. Once you start working on your assignments you may realize you need a refresher or some guidance on your specific topic.

You have a few options on how to get help:

• Email or book a meeting with a librarian using the links under our profile pictures for in-person or online help
• Use our Ask Us service to talk, chat or text with Research Help staff.

If you're not sure whether to reach out for help, here are some examples of what a librarian can help you with:

• Figuring out or narrowing down a research topic for a paper/assignment
• Identifying and evaluating sources, including how to distinguish source types and how to choose sources based on your research context 
• Strategies for searching for information and accessing scholarly sources (such as data, statistics, books, etc.) and peer-reviewed articles, including how to use academic databases and Google Scholar 
• Tips on how to read scholarly sources and critically appraise research methods
• How to manage your sources and research using a citation management program like Zotero
• Navigating UNB Libraries’ website and physical library spaces

How do I get writing help if I need it?

For support in editing your work, clarifying the tone of your writing or trying to articulate a difficult concept, consider getting help from the Writing Centre. UNB Saint John's Writing Centre has writing consultants available for one-on-one support, and group workshops and tutorials available throughout the term. You can make a one-on-one appointment (in-person or online) and they'll review your work and give you feedback.

If you don't need to make an appointment at this time, you could visit their website for more information and links to helpful writing resources.