Daphne Middle Library Media Center Orientation

2 Objectives Students will: 1. know the basic types of reference work found in a media center; 2. know which reference sources would best meet their research needs; and 3. know how to formulate reference questions

3 There are Two Basic Types of Library Resources 1. OPAC ( Online Public Access Catalog) 2. Self-contained reference and information sources

4 The OPAC An Online Public Access Catalog or OPAC is a computerized online catalog of the materials held in a library. The OPAC can be accessed at several computer terminals within the library, or from home via the Internet. Since the mid-1980s, it has replaced the card catalog in most libraries. The OPAC does not index magazines or newspaper articles. catalog

5 Finding Books Once you’ve found a book or item you want, copy down all the numbers and letters (call numbers) Once you’ve found a book or item you want, copy down all the numbers and letters (call numbers) The call number and the title will be used to find the book or item on the shelf. The call number and the title will be used to find the book or item on the shelf.

6 Non-Fiction Books For example, the call number for The Internet Inside and Out by Micheal Eck is: ECK

7 Fiction Fiction books, stories or novels, also have call numbers that are made up of letters F or FIC, and the first three letters of the author’s last name.

8 Fiction Books For example, the call number for the book The Mouse Rap by Walter Dean Myers is: FICMYE

9 Who Am I ? Biographies and autobiographies use the call number 92 and the first three letters of the subject’s last name.

10 Biographies For example: A biography on Beyonce Knowles would have the call number A biography on Beyonce Knowles would have the call number92BEY

11 What is a Bibliography? o The list of references at the end of a research report is a bibliography. o A list of materials (books, articles, videos, etc.) on a particular subject or by a particular author.

12 Online Resources The Internet has databases that will allow users access to full-text articles The Internet has databases that will allow users access to full-text articles These databases provide users with summaries or abstracts of the articles as well as access to full text These databases provide users with summaries or abstracts of the articles as well as access to full text Examples are Ebsco Host and SIRS Discoverer (See Alabama Virtual Library) Examples are Ebsco Host and SIRS Discoverer (See Alabama Virtual Library) Alabama Virtual Library) Alabama Virtual Library)

13 Self-Contained Reference Sources Self-contained sources in the media center such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, and almanacs contain information that will assist you in obtaining information on certain kinds of topics. Self-contained sources in the media center such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, and almanacs contain information that will assist you in obtaining information on certain kinds of topics. These items, however, can not be checked out. These items, however, can not be checked out.

14 Dictionaries These are reference books giving information about meanings, forms, pronunciations, uses, and etymologies of words listed in alphabetical order

15 Encyclopedias General encyclopedias are useful for background information on a topic, before you consult other, more specialized sources. Subject encyclopedias cover a specific subject area Articles are arranged alphabetically

16 Atlases Atlases are books of maps that often include facts and figures about places Geographical atlases usually contain maps, charts, and tables

17 Almanacs Almanacs are useful in finding statistical information, facts, and forecasts about areas in the world. One example of an almanac is The World Almanac

18 Computer Area The computers are for word processing, Internet searching (class assignments only), and utilizing other software programs that assist in producing creative assignments and projects. The computers are for word processing, Internet searching (class assignments only), and utilizing other software programs that assist in producing creative assignments and projects.

19 Computer Use Students must sign-in in order to use computers Students must have pre- written papers that are in their own words before using the word processor Any work that needs to be saved, must be saved on a floppy disk Students must get permission from the librarian or library clerk before printing

20 Circulation Procedures The borrowing period is two weeks The borrowing period is two weeks Students are allowed to check-out no more than two resources at a time, unless special permission is given from the librarian Students are allowed to check-out no more than two resources at a time, unless special permission is given from the librarian Students with overdue books will not be allowed to check out items until their overdue books are returned Students with overdue books will not be allowed to check out items until their overdue books are returned

21 Circulation Policies Library materials may be renewed by students twice Special assignment materials may not be renewed Reference materials can not be circulated; however, copies can be made if necessary Please do not remove any material from the library without checking it out during regular hours of operation

22 Remember…. The library media center is available to assist you with your information needs The goal is to guide you toward the information and resources that are needed for your assignment or project Eventually, you will begin to rely on your own skills to find your information needs

23 Media Center Rules Food, drink, gum, etc. is not allowed in the library Food, drink, gum, etc. is not allowed in the library Patrons must maintain a quiet courteous atmosphere Patrons must maintain a quiet courteous atmosphere

24 Questions, Comments, Concerns…..

25 Let’s Show What You Know Take this quiz in order to discover how familiar you are with the library

26 How Did You Do? 1.A 2.A 3.A 4.C 5.C 6.B 7.B 8.C 9.A 10.A 11.C 12.C 13.C 14.B

27 Number Incorrect Score

28 Group Exercises I am going to give each of you a number.

29 Application Exercises 1. Look up the name of a U.S. President on the OPAC; write down the call number, author and title of one book about this person; find this book on the library shelf and write ten interesting facts that you learned about the president. 2. Select a well-known person to investigate that you know nothing about. Use at least two different library sources to find biographical information about the person. Name the library resources used. Name the state in which the person was born, what the person is known for, and what qualities he/she possessed in order to become well-known.

30 Application Exercises 3. Select a U.S. state. Use an encyclopedia and almanac to find information about the state. Name the sources used. Give the capital of the state, its population, its average rainfall, and two states that border your chosen state. 4. Use an almanac and one other source to find information on a disaster of your choice. Compose a paragraph including the when, where, how, and why of the disaster.

31 Application Exercises 5. List two magazines subscribed to your library. Answer the following: What is the month that the magazine was published? Who is the editor-in-chief? Who is the publisher? What is the magazines contact information? 6. You have won a trip to the country of your choice. Investigate the country in order to become familiar with it. What countries border it? Name a river in the country. What languages are spoken there?

32 Thanks For Your Cooperation