1. Reference Resources Script
Library Instruction
Lovejoy Library
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Revised 1/10
Before your session begins, make certain to have the following:
Library’s homepage ( displayed.
Copies of the following Reference books:
Cultural Encyclopedia of Baseball, Jonathan Fraser Light, Call Number: GV L54
Chronology of World History, : The Modern World, Volume IV, Neville Williams, Call Number: D11.M39
A Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory, J.A. Cuddon, Call Number: PN41.C83
RESEARCH GUIDE HANDOUT(S) FOR THIS TOUR:
Library Map
Reference Resources Worksheet
Any other tour materials are available at
*Encourage the students to ask questions anytime they need additional clarification.
*Encourage students to come to the Information Desk for assistance if they have any questions as well. 1

2. Begin the session by starting at the LIBRARY’S HOMEPAGE
Begin the session by starting at the LIBRARY’S HOMEPAGE. Cite the URL:
Remember to pace the lecture so that students may follow along on their computers. Encourage them to do this however, recognize that some students may only want to watch the demonstration.
Student may also access the Library website from the University’s homepage by clicking on the Academics & Library icon.
Explain that in order to access important resources such as Databases and Course Reserves from off campus, they will need their e-ID and password. To request books and other items, students will need their Banner ID number.
Demonstrate the Ask a Librarian page. ASK A LIBRARIAN is the Library’s virtual reference tool that students can use to ask questions related to their research needs. This /chat based service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and the turnaround time is generally less than 24 hours.
Demonstrate the Meebo Chat Widget on the Library Instruction webpages. The Meebo Chat Widget is usually staffed between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Library instruction webpages are available under Research Help. 2

3. Return to the library homepage
Return to the library homepage. Demonstrate LibGuides (located under Research Help). Tell students to review LibGuides for assistance with their research. These guides are developed to provided detailed information on a particular research topic or resource such as American Literature, Biology or Reference Sources.

4. Return to the library homepage
Return to the library homepage. Demonstrate LibGuides (located in the right column of the homepage). Tell students to review LibGuides for assistance with their research. These guides are developed to provided detailed information on a particular research topic or resource such as American Literature, Biology or Reference Sources.
Begin Reference Resources instruction session.

5. Types of Research Questions
Quick-answer
In-depth
There are two different types of research questions:
*questions that require a quick-answer and
*questions that require in-depth analysis, interpretation, or investigation

6. Quick-Answer Research Questions
What 2 teams played in the 1944 Crosstown World Series?
SOURCE: Cultural Encyclopedia of Baseball
What day did Apollo 11 land on the moon?
SOURCE: Chronology of World History
The first type of research question is the quick-answer question. These questions require answers consisting of facts, statements, or statistics that can be accessed quickly. Some examples are listed above.
Display and read the questions provided on the slide and explain that reference sources are an ideal place to find answers for these types of questions. Distribute the copies of the reference books to students and have them locate the answers to the questions. Move on with instruction, checking in periodically to see if they found the answer.
Answers are:
Browns/Cardinals (p. 796)
July 20th, 1969 (p. 588)
A parable is “A short and simple story containing a moral” (p. 634)
What is a parable?
SOURCE: Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory

7. In-Depth Research Questions
What are the treatments for schizophrenia?
What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
What changes occur in plants during photosynthesis?
What are the major themes of The Great Gatsby?
The second category of research questions require in-depth research
For questions such as those listed above, reference sources will likely not be sufficient. However, they are a good place to begin addressing research questions as they can provide basic information and list of other useful sources such as the bibliographies found at the end of the work or in a particular section.
*Next we will examine some basic characteristics of reference sources, starting with their location in the library.

8. Location of Reference Sources
Reference Collection
Ready Reference
Copiers
In our library all of the reference books from any subject area (whether general or specific) are shelved together in the Reference Collection on the first floor.
(Note that indexes also contain resources that may be valuable to their research).
A subset of the Reference Collection is the Ready Reference Collection. This collection consists of books that are widely used and are therefore kept behind the Information Desk. Wooden blocks in the Reference Collection indicate which books are available in the Ready Reference Collection.
*Make certain to point out the location of the copiers. Reference sources should be copied in this area and left here for the shelvers – they should not be re-shelved.
Wireless Internet
Access Available
P Language/Literature
P Philology & Linguistics
PA Greek & Latin
PB Modern European
PC Modern Romance
PE English language
PF German
PG Slavic
PM Artificial Language PN Journalism
PQ Romantic Lit
PR English Lit
PS American Lit
PZ Fiction
Book
Collection
Computing area
Stairs
Elevator
A General Works
B Philosophy, Psychology, Religion
C History and Auxiliary Sciences
D History (except America)
E-F History & Geography of the Americas
G Geography and Anthropology
H Social Science
J Political Science
K Law
L Education
M Music
N Fine Arts
P Language and Literature
Q Science
R Medicine
S Agriculture, Plant & Animal Industry
T Technology
U Military Science
V Naval Science
Z Books in General
Reference Collection
Study Area
Stairs
Emergency
Exit
Quiet Study Area
Study
Area
Restrooms
A Starts
P Starts
Quiet Study Area
Offices
Atrium
Study Area
Offices
Library Instruction Classroom
ROOM 1050
Music Listening
Room
M Music
MT Instruction & Study
SelF Copy
Computing
area
Browsing Collection
Offices
Information Literacy y
Computing
Area
Interlibrary Loan ROOM 1045G
Stairs
Elevator
printers
Information Desk
Computing
area
catalog
Online
Book Collection
L Education
N Fine Arts
CSVT
{Charge Value to your Cougar Card }
Self Checkout
Administrative
Offices
Stairs
Elevator
Circulation
Offices
Circulation
Desk
Basement Entrance
Main Entrance
Fire Extinguisher P
Help Phone
Revised Sept 28, 2006
Northh
South
Fire Alarm
First Floor

9. Point in the general area of the Reference Collection so that students can get an idea of where it is. Show students where on their copy of the library map they can find the Reference Collection.

10. Characteristics of Reference Sources
Frequently updated
Provide information in a concise manner
Cannot be checked out of the library
There are three basic features that distinguish reference sources from other books in the library:
*reference sources are updated frequently. An example of a familiar reference source is a general encyclopedia; every few years a new edition an encyclopedia is published.
*reference sources provide factual information in a concise manner. This means that they provide relevant information on a subject in a compact form, sometimes only a few sentences or paragraphs.
*reference works cannot be checked out. These books must be kept at the library. These sources are designated as “reference works” because they are useful for many people to “refer to” in order to get information.

11. Determining the Scope of Reference Sources
Examine the table of contents
Examine the index
Check the publication date
*To determine whether or not a reference source will be useful, students need to first determine the scope of the book.
The scope of a book is simply what the book covers, i.e.. what type of information is available in this source, what subjects are covered, etc.
*There are three ways to determine the scope of a reference source:
*examine the table of contents to see if the subject is addressed
*examine the index to see if the subject is addressed
*examine the date of publication of the book (the date will tell you if the information is current or applicable to the topic you are covering; generally more credence is given to current information unless the information has historical value)

12. Important Features of Reference Sources
Bibliographies –
a list of articles and/or books that appear at the end of an entry and indicate material the author has utilized or recommends for additional research.
Sometimes reference works will have lists of articles and/or books listed at the end of articles.
These bibliographies are either sources the author has consulted or that the author recommends for further research. They are often useful for getting further information on the topic you are exploring.
While ideal for answering quick-answer research questions, reference sources are also a good place to begin in-depth research questions, as you can get some good basic information from the source itself and also, through the bibliography, become aware of other sources that have further information on your topic.

13. Important Features of Reference Sources
Signed Articles
are written by experts in the respective fields and indicate the authoritativeness of the information in the reference source.
Signed articles in a reference source indicate that the authors are authorities in their respective fields and lend credence to the material presented in the article.
It is important to be aware of and use signed articles.

14. Types of Reference Sources
Dictionaries
Encyclopedias
Almanacs and Yearbooks
There are three basic types of reference sources:
*Dictionaries
*Encyclopedias
*Almanacs and Yearbooks
Each of these have general and subject-specific forms.

15. Dictionaries Dictionaries - Types of Dictionaries spelling definition
list the words of a particular language with the correct:
spelling
definition
pronunciation
grammatical usage
Types of Dictionaries
General
Specific
Subject
Dictionaries list the words of a particular language with the correct:
*spelling
*pronunciation
*definition
*grammatical usage
*etc.
There are three types of dictionaries:
*general
*specific
*subject

16. Dictionaries (General)
Abridged Dictionaries –
list only a selection of words in a particular language.
Unabridged Dictionaries –
attempt to include all of the words in a particular language and often provide extensive information for each entry.
A dictionary is either abridged or unabridged.
An abridged dictionary is one that lists only a selection of the words in a language; most dictionaries are abridged.
An unabridged dictionary, in contrast, lists nearly all the words of a language and often provide extensive historical information for the entries.

17. Abridged Dictionaries
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary-
an abridged dictionary that includes the definitions, etymology, pronunciations, usage dates and notes, and cross-references for over 75,000 words.
An example of an abridged dictionary is the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. It does not attempt to cover all the words in the language, but its newest addition is especially helpful for new words.
This source is also available in an electronic format on the library’s website under Reference Databases, General.
(Webster’s is also available in an electronic format)

18. Unabridged Dictionaries
Oxford English Dictionary (OED) –
an unabridged dictionary that is the accepted authority on the English language and an unsurpassed guide to the meaning, history, usage, and pronunciation of millions of words, taken from both the present and past.
The best example of an unabridged dictionary is the Oxford English Dictionary, comprised of twenty four volumes.
The goal when producing this dictionary was to catalog all of the words in the English language and to provide word histories and meanings for each word as well.
This source is also available in an electronic format on the library’s website in Reference Databases (General) list.
(The OED is also available in an electronic format)

19. Other Categories of Dictionaries
Specialized Dictionaries -
approach the study of words from a different perspective or examine special categories of words.
Subject Dictionaries -
are devoted to a specific field and provide definitions for terms and subjects associated with that field.
There are also two other categories of dictionaries, specialized and subject dictionaries.
*Specialized dictionaries approach the study of words from a different perspective or examine special categories of words
*Subject dictionaries are devoted to a specific field and provide definitions for terms and subjects associated with that particular field.

20. Specialized Dictionaries
Bartlett’s Roget’s Thesaurus –
A thesaurus is a specialized dictionary that organizes words and concepts thematically. For each word contained in a thesaurus, a list of words with similar or opposite meanings has also been provided.
Specialized dictionaries are dictionaries which approach the study of words from a different perspective or examine special categories of words.
One example of a specialized dictionary is a thesaurus; Bartlett’s Roget’s Thesaurus is the most widely known thesaurus.

21. Subject Dictionaries Twentieth-Century Literary Movements Dictionary –
a subject dictionary that provides definitions for and examples of over 500 different 20th century literary movements and schools and identifies individuals associated with each school.
Subject dictionaries are devoted to a specific subject field and provide definitions for special terms and concepts used in that subject.
Twentieth-Century Literary Movements Dictionary is an example of a subject dictionary. This dictionary gives definitions of special literary terms and special definitions for words that we might be familiar with but which have a special meaning when speaking in terms of literary movements (for example, the Imagists here are different from the Imagists in art).

22. Encyclopedias Encyclopedias – Types of Encyclopedias
attempt to cover knowledge in a comprehensive manner.
provide general facts and an overview of a topic or subject.
contain articles written by specialists in their fields.
include bibliographies and illustrations with some entries.
Types of Encyclopedias
General
Subject
Encyclopedias:
*attempt to cover knowledge in a comprehensive manner (as much information as possible)
*provide general facts and give an overview of a topic
*often contain articles written by specialists in their fields
*include bibliographies and illustrations with some entries
As with dictionaries, there are two basic types of encyclopedias: general and subject.
General encyclopedias cover a wide spectrum of knowledge.
Subject encyclopedias cover the information that pertains to one specific subject field.

23. Encyclopedias (General)
Encyclopædia Britannica -
a general encyclopedia considered to be one of the most comprehensive and respected reference products available.
Encyclopædia Britannica is perhaps the most comprehensive general encyclopedia available. Contains information on a large variety of subjects. The encyclopædia comes in several parts.
*The Micropedia gives short factual articles for each topic covered in Britannica.
*The Macropedia provides extensive articles on broader topics.
This source is also available in an electronic format on the library’s website under Reference Databases, General.
(Britannica is also available in an electronic format)

24. Subject Encyclopedias
Encyclopedia of Precolonial Africa –
a subject encyclopedia containing articles that provide information on all aspects of precolonial Africa. Each article is signed and includes a bibliography of additional reference material.
Just as there are general dictionaries and specific subject dictionaries, there are also general and subject encyclopedias.
Subject encyclopedias contain articles on topics within a specific subject field.
The Encyclopedia of Precolonial Africa is a perfect example. This reference source provides critical essays on all aspects (geographical, historical, anthropological, etc.) of precolonial Africa; in addition, each article is signed and includes a bibliography.

25. Almanacs and Yearbooks
Provide information in a concise form
Provide statistical information
Provide coverage of events of the previous year
In addition to dictionaries and encyclopedias, almanacs and yearbooks are also important reference sources. They provide:
*information in a concise form
*focus on statistical information
*coverage of events of the previous year

26. Almanacs and Yearbooks
annual publication containing statistics and information about the events of the previous year.
Yearbook –
report of statistics or facts published on a yearly basis
Almanacs provide statistics and information about the events of the previous year. They also may be specialized to specific subjects (for example sports almanacs) or to particular geographic regions or countries.
*Yearbooks are more statistical in nature yet still cover events of the previous year. Often yearbooks will offer comparisons of the most recent year with several past years.

27. Almanacs World Almanac (and Book of Facts)–
contains statistics and information about various nations around the world.
*Almanacs provide statistics and information about the events of the previous year. They may list statistics and also give descriptions of key events that occurred during that year.
*They also may be specialized to specific subjects (for example sports almanacs) or to particular geographic regions or countries (as in the case of The World Almanac and Book of Facts, which provides statistical and other information about the different countries of the world).
*This source is also available in an electronic format on the library’s website under Reference Databases, General.
(World Almanac is also available in an electronic format)

28. Yearbooks Statistical Abstract of the United States–
contains thousands of statistical tables for the United States covering a variety of social and economic subjects.
*Yearbooks are more statistical in nature.
*Statistical Abstract of the United States contains thousands of statistical tables for the United States covering a variety of subjects ranging from demographics and government spending to transportation and construction.
*This source is also available in an electronic format on the library’s website under Reference Databases, General.
(Statistical Abstract is also available in an electronic format)

29. LIVE DEMONSTRATION BEGINS.
To locate reference sources, students would first begin by using the SIUE Catalog under the Find – Books, Media and More section.
ENTER SIUE Catalog.

30. To determine the availability and location of (print) reference sources in the library, students must use the SIUE Catalog.
In addition to locating the general reference resources that we have been discussing, students can also locate subject specific reference sources.
One way to locate reference sources is by using the More Limits function in the catalog, located in the bottom right corner. You must set your limits before conducting your search.
Select “More Limits.”

31. Before typing in your search terms, you need to limit your search to the Reference Collection using the More Limits feature.
After setting your limits to the Reference Collection, click Set Limits.
Return to the basic search page.

32. Enter the keywords for your research need
Enter the keywords for your research need. In this case, we will use the terms “global warming” (use quotes) and search as an any word, anywhere search. Searching these words as a phrase ensures that any records retrieved will deal with global warming instead of either global or warming, or both.
Click on the Search button.

33. Again, the results page appears and displays the title of the work(s), author information, publication year and the library location (Reference Book Collection).
View the individual catalog record for Extreme Weather : A Guide and Record Book.
Point out the Library location is Reference Book Collection.

34. PT1203. T2
Display this slide on the overhead. Use to explain concept of call numbers and location of books on a shelf.
Briefly explain to students how to read call numbers and how to locate books on the shelf using call numbers.
Call numbers work in alpha-numeric order. A book that has the call number PN1707 will appear on the shelf before a book with the call number PN1708.
Remind them that Reference books will have yellow REFERENCE stickers above the call numbers. They are shelved the same way, in alpha-numeric order. Use your copy the reference books to indicate this.
Conduct a New Search in the catalog.
PN1707
.A48
PN1707. B2305
PN1708. Z13
PS832. M4

35. Another way of locating reference sources is by conducting a Subject search.
While this is a more precise search, they must know the correct Library of Congress subject heading. (To determine the correct subject heading for their topic, students should use the Library of Congress Subject Heading books by the Information Desk).
Conduct a Subject Search for Psychology Encyclopedia.
Note that when conducting a subject search, it is not possible to use the More Limits feature.
Click on the Search button.

36. Point out the results page and highlight the number of findings
*Point out the results page and highlight the number of findings. Although there are several related records listed below, the results matching our search are located at the top.
*Inform the students they can access the records for the results by clicking on the hyperlinked subject term.

37. *Once the students locate the reference source they want to use, the location (Reference Book Collection) and call number of the book are listed on the results page. They can also access the full record for additional information.
*NOTE: Select the record for “Encyclopedia of Psychology,” edited by Alan E. Kazdin.

38. The full record for the reference source also identifies the location (Reference Book Collection) and call number of the book as well as additional information (holdings for multi-volume sets, contents for individual volumes, whether or not additional media is available, etc.).
Return to the library’s homepage.

39. As noted several times throughout this session, many reference sources are also available in electronic formats.
Click on Find – Journals, Magazine and More.
Click on eResources and Databases by Subject, then General.
Reference databases enable electronic access to almanacs, bibliographies, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. Point out Britannica Online (equivalent to the print version), Funk and Wagnall’s New World Encyclopedia (equivalent to the print version), Gale Virtual Reference Collection, CREDO Reference and OED Online (equivalent to the print version).
Select CQ Research Plus Archive.
Remind students: To access databases from off campus, students must enter their e-ID and Password when prompted.

40. The CQ Researcher reference database provides reports and coverage on controversial topics such as religion, politics and human rights issues. This database is a good place to begin your research.
Select Browse by Topic in the left column.

41. Select a topic to browse by clicking on the link.

42. Explain and demonstrate the following information within the report:
Abstract
Overview
Background
Current Situation
Outlook
Special Focus
Chronology
Pro/Con
Bibliography
Next Step

43. Conclusion Ask if students they have any questions.
Encourage them to feel comfortable asking for assistance either at the Information Desk, contacting the Instruction Office, or via our Ask a Librarian service if they are having difficulties.
Reassure them everyone is willing to assist them!

44. Group Activity Explanation
Reference Resources Worksheet
Using your assigned quick-answer reference question, brainstorm possible reference materials that will provide the answer to your question. Use the library’s online catalog to search for appropriate reference materials then use the reference book to locate the answer to your question. You have 15 minutes to complete the assignment. Groups will be called upon to demonstrate their search process and answer their question.
REMEMBER: Use the “Location” function in the Advanced search screen of the catalog to limit your search to the Reference Book Collection.
Reference Questions:
What is the scientific name for a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake?
What do authorities on dreams think a dream about “a furious tornado” signifies?
How many laws, or rules, are there in rugby football?
What were the dates of the Yorktown Campaign during the American Revolution?
Who created the special effects for the science fiction film Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
What year did author William Golding win the Nobel Prize for Literature?
When was Spiro T. Agnew Vice President of the United States?
Where is the National Gypsy Council located?
What is a fisherman’s knot used for in boating?
The Reference Resources worksheet, including the activity instructions, is available at
Break class into groups of 3.
Give each student a Reference Resources worksheet. Remind students where the Reference Collection is located.
Assign each group a question from the worksheet.
Explain:
Students should analyze their assigned question and then use the catalog to locate a reference book that they feel will provide the best answer their question. Students should then physically retrieve the item from the Reference collection and locate the answer to the question.
They will have 15 minutes to complete the exercise.
Groups will be called upon to answer their question and show the resource they used.
**Notes continue on next slide.

45. Q and A
1. What is the scientific name for a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake?
Source: Venomous Reptiles of North America, Carl H. Ernst, QL666.O6E771992, pg. 92
Answer: Crotalus atrox
2. What does a dream about “a furious tornado” signify?
Source: Zolar’s Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Dreams, Zolar, BF1091.Z65 pg. 377
Answer: Loss of friends
3. How many laws, or rules, are there in rugby football?
Source: The Encyclopedia of Rugby Football, J.R. Jones, GV945.J651966, pg
Answer: 35
4. What were the dates of the Yorktown Campaign during the American Revolution?
Source: Encyclopedia of the American Revolution, Mark Boatner, E208.B68, pg. 1230
Answer: May-Oct. 1781
Ask if there are any questions. Make sure to give the students a specific time to return to class (i.e. 10:15, not “in 15 minutes”).
While groups are working, walk around to assist if need be. If students are struggling to locate the correct resource, ask them questions that will guide them in the right direction.
After 15 minutes, reconvene the group. Ask groups to report their answers and the resources they found them in. It is fine if students locate the answer in another resource. Also, answers may vary depending on the resource. Use this as a talking point about why it is good practice to consult several resources.
Conclude class. Remind them to ask for help at the Information Desk anytime. Students can leave library books on tables outside of classroom.

46. 5. Who created the special effects for the science fiction movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
Source: The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction Movies from 1897 to the Present, C.J. Henderson, PN S26H38 pg. 62
Answer: Douglas Trumbull
6. What year did author William Golding win the Nobel Prize for Literature?
Source: Nobel Prize Winners, Tyler Wasson, AS911.N9N59 pg. 388
Answer: 1983
7. When was Spiro T. Agnew Vice President of the United States?
Source: The Vice Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary, L. Edward Purcell, E V521998, pg. 350
Answer:
8. Where is the National Gypsy Council located?
Source: Historical Dictionary of the Gypsies, Donald Kenrick, DX115.K462007, pg. 174
Answer: United Kingdom
9. What is a fisherman’s knot used for in boating?
Source: The Complete Boating Encyclopedia, Morris Weeks, Jr., GV775.W4, pg. 193
Answer: A knot used to secure one line to another