Using Library Resources Making the Library Work for You Kate Wise Spring 2008

What are you searching for? Classroom assignment: –Review the instructions from your professor. –Make sure you have a clear idea about what you are researching. Write down a list of words that describes what you are researching – these words will be your search terms. It may help to already have an outline written. Don’t forget you can talk to someone (like a librarian!) to help narrow or clarify your search.

Where the information is usually hiding... Books and E-books Journals, Magazines, and other Periodicals Audio and Visual The Internet People, including your professors, professionals in the field, and the librarian

Books and E-books Try the library’s catalog first Check out any helpful guides provided by the library –– there may be a general bibliography already prepared in your topic area Try some online bookstores like Amazon or Barnes and Noble to check out what may be new literature on your subject that you can find at your library, or inter-library loan.AmazonBarnes and Noble

Journals, Magazines, and other Periodicals This can also include newspapers and newsletters Periodicals can range from highly respected, peer-reviewed scholarly journals to entertainment publications like People magazine. These resources usually contain the most up-to- date information available You will need to locate articles using a database

About Databases... Each database is slightly different Some databases have very specific ways in which they were designed to be used. Your librarian can help you choose the most appropriate database and help you generate the most relevant results – just ask! For example: –ProQuest Nursing Journals is a user- friendly database with medical information

Audio and Visual Don’t forget that resources may not necessarily be print! You can search for videos, recordings of lectures or other speeches, or pictures on your topic.

The Internet “Just Google it” Also try internet directories, like Yahoo DirectoriesYahoo Directories Check out the websites of major companies or organizations that are in your topic area.

A Special Note About Evaluating Websites Some websites may look official, but watch closely! Example Check into the people or agencies that are responsible for the websites. When in doubt, use a non-web resource.

People: including your professors, professionals in the field, and the librarian An informal or formal interview with a professional in the field counts as a resource. Lectures given by your professors count as audio resources (check with your professor first). Talk to the librarian; she might be able to find professionals in the field in which you are interested.

Making it all make sense Once you have found your information –Make sure you have collected citation information including title, author, year, publisher, etc. When in doubt, get as much of this information as possible –Sort (organize) your information –Weed your information. Keep only the strongest sources You may find you need to refine, revise, or completely restart your project. That’s OK!

Citation Styles This is where you use the information you collected about your information sources. Different disciplines have different citation styles The library will have guidebooks, tip sheets, and websites to help you learn the different citation styles.websites The field of psychology follows the American Psychological Association Publication Manual’s guidelines for citing sources used in papers and articles.

DON’T PROCRASTINATE Leave yourself plenty of time in case you run into snags, or have to seriously revise your search. Remember that inter- library loan will take time, so leave yourself at least three weeks if you think you might need to order materials from other libraries.

Other Things to Remember Bring money to copy articles from periodicals or pages from books Remember the library can offer more than just books – talk to a librarian to find out more! Be sure you know about the library’s website and how to access it.

Questions? Text © Kate Wise 2008 Title slide photo © H. Wise 1947 All other non-PowerPoint images ©Getty Images Used under royalty-free licensing terms.