Skip to Main Content

Guide for Research Assistants

Resources and strategies for student research assistants

Link to RA Training session

An RA training session was held May 19, 2025. UC Davis law students may view the recording here.

How to succeed as an RA

  • Check in regularly with your faculty member
  • Clarify instructions
  • Keep track of what you've done - use a research log (see below for template)
  • Ask for help! Email lawlibref@ucdavis.edu with questions or to make a research appointment.
Research Log Templates

Accessing databases from off campus

UC Davis law students may access Mabie Law Library and UC Davis main library databases from off campus.  

  • Mabie Law Library databases such as HeinOnline and many UC Davis main library databases require your UC Davis logon ID and Kerberos password
  • Online access to eBooks and some UC Davis main library databases require you to download the UC Davis main library VPN. 
  • VPN issues? Consult this information page, or contact the UC Davis Law School IT department