Our Reference Services
We provide comprehensive reference services to support your research, learning, and information needs.
Research Assistance
Expert help with locating and using reference materials for your projects.
Database Access
Premium online databases and digital resources for in-depth research.
Information Literacy
Workshops and training on effective research strategies and tools.
Special Collections
Access to rare and unique materials in our special collections.
General Reference Materials
Encyclopedias
Comprehensive general and subject-specific encyclopedias for quick facts and overviews.
Browse Collection →Dictionaries
Language dictionaries, thesauri, and specialized terminology references.
Browse Collection →Almanacs & Yearbooks
Current and historical statistical data and annual summaries of events.
Browse Collection →Biographical Sources
Information about notable individuals from various fields and time periods.
Browse Collection →Gazetteers & Maps
Geographical information, atlases, and historical maps of Zanzibar and beyond.
Browse Collection →Style Manuals
Guides for academic writing, citations, and research paper formatting.
Browse Collection →Academic Research Resources
Literature Reviews
Examples and guides for conducting comprehensive literature reviews.
View Examples →Government Documents & Reports
Zanzibar Government
Official publications, reports, and statistics from Zanzibar government.
Browse Collection →Digital Reference Resources
Featured Databases
Access our premium digital resources for academic and professional research.
Oxford Reference
Premium collection of dictionaries, encyclopedias, and reference works.
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Research Guides
Step-by-step guides to help you navigate the research process effectively.
Getting Started with Research
Define Your Topic
Clearly articulate your research question or thesis statement.
Background Research
Use encyclopedias and overview sources to understand context.
Develop Keywords
Identify search terms and alternative vocabulary for your topic.
Search Strategies
Learn how to use Boolean operators and database filters effectively.
Advanced Research Techniques
Literature Review
Methods for conducting comprehensive literature reviews.
Primary Sources
Locating and evaluating primary source materials.
Data Analysis
Resources for qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
Citation Management
Tools and techniques for organizing references and citations.
Meet Our Reference Librarians
Our expert librarians are available to assist with your research needs.
Aisha Juma
Head of Reference Services
Specialties: Humanities, Social Sciences
Schedule Consultation →
Mohammed Ali
Science & Technology Librarian
Specialties: STEM, Data Analysis
Schedule Consultation →
Fatma Said
Government Documents Librarian
Specialties: Legal Research, Policy
Schedule Consultation →
Yusuf Hassan
Digital Resources Librarian
Specialties: Database Searching, Citations
Schedule Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
Need Research Help?
Our reference team is available to assist with your research needs. Contact us via any of these methods:
Visit Us
Reference Desk, 1st Floor
Zanzibar Library, Maisara
Call Us
+255 776 792 299
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5:00pm
Email Us
reference@zls.go.tz
Response within 24 hours
Schedule Appointment
Book a one-on-one research consultation with a librarian