Finding information: Classics & Ancient History resources Nicola Conway October 2011

Aims of the session To help you: Identify, find & evaluate relevant sources of information Use the library effectively, and make the most of our services and resources Know who to contact for further help

The Library (Print) Print: Most resources for Classics & Ancient History are on Level 1 in the Main Library –Level 3: Latin/Greek language; sculpture; numismatics; ceramics –Level 4: Archaeology; Roman/Greek History

The Library (Online) General support: Subject information pages: –Resources for Classics and Ancient History –Specific resources and an outline of how to begin your research

Subject Specific Support:

4 steps to finding information1. Identify keywords 2. Decide where to search 3.Search 4. Review results

1. Identify Keywords Identify keywords from your topic: “Analyse the design of Greek costume” Advanced searching techniques: Synonyms: costume OR clothing \ design OR pattern Truncation: design* to locate designs, designer, designed Phrases: “Greek costume” Wildcards: colo?r to locate colour or color Joining Words: AND, OR, NOT

2. Decide where to search Questions to ask yourself: What information do you need? –Overview of a topic, theory, idea, concept? Encyclopaedias and Dictionaries (online and in print) –Background information? Textbook/E-book –Information on the latest research? Journal Article Conference Paper News item

3. Search: The Library Catalogue Great if you have a specific reference or a broad research topic Can be searched using a variety of methods –Specific Reading list –Author/Title (combined) for known item –Keyword / Subject searches for topics Can add items to basket and results Can save borrowing history Searches for print and electronic resources but does not search within them

3. Search : Online Databases Databases search a wide range of journal articles Some contain the full text –JSTOR Some only provide bibliographic information –L’Année Philologique –Web of Knowledge –Use ConneXions to see if Durham subscribes to the content No single database will cover everything

3. Search: Other online resources E-books : –Cambridge collections online: cross-searchable database which includes the Cambridge Companions Complete CollectionCambridge collections online News Items: –Infotrac custom newspapers - online full text archive of UK broadsheetsInfotrac custom newspapers Websites: –Perseus Digital Library - full text primary and secondary sources for the study of ancient Greece and RomePerseus Digital Library

4. Review your results Are your results useful? –Do you need to change your keywords or search in a different database? –Use one record to find similar useful resources Evaluate the quality of your sources –particularly if they are found on the internet Keep references – yourself useful references

Where to get further help Help and Information Point on Level 2 Online enquiries form: – Subject information pages: – Academic Support Team: –Nicola Conway – Classics & Ancient History

Any Questions Nicola Conway: