Finding Library Materials

Search the library Online Catalog to find books, videos, CDs, periodical titles, and Instructor Reserves. From the catalog you will be able to see what materials are available in the library, if they are checked out, and if so, when they are due back. If an item is checked out, you can contact the Circulation Desk (245-4271, x2262) to place a hold on it. We will contact you when the item is returned. Remember that you will need to bring your current student I. D. or registration receipt to checkout materials. For more information, see: Borrowing Materials.

Finding Full-Text Articles

The library subscribes to online databases that provide access to full-text magazine and newspaper articles. Expanded Academic ASAP is the main database for finding magazine and journal articles. NewsBank Access World News is the main database for newspaper articles. If you are researching a controversial topic and need articles on opposing viewpoints, use Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center and CQ Researcher. All of these resources are accessible from the Databases page of the library's website. Since databases are subscriptions that contain copyright written materials, off-campus access is password protected. To search the databases from home you will first need to apply for a Password. Once you have access, be sure to check the "Help" links available in each database for valuable information about searching.

Besides article databases, the library also subscribes to a number of full-text subject databases that are useful for research in specific subject areas. These include: Access U.N., Biology Journals, Country Watch, CQ Weekly, History Resource Center, Grove Dictionary of Art, Grove Dictionary of Music, Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and Routledge Religion Resource.

Finding Recommended Web Sites

Under Internet Resources you will find links to Web sites organized by subject area. These sites have been selected by librarians and other faculty members to assist you in finding useful resources on the Web. If you do not see a site listed under the subject you are looking for, try searching Infomine or Librarians' Index to the Internet. Both of these sites are searchable by subject and contain annotated links to reviewed Web sites.

Your instructor may require you to evaluate any Web sites that you include in your research for authority and accuracy. If you are not sure of the criteria used to distinguish one Web site from another, read the information under Evaluating Web Sites. Also, if you are in the habit of always searching the Internet the same way, be sure to read the Web Search Tools page to strengthen your understanding of other search options.

*Remember that if you are looking for articles in magazines, journals, or newspapers, use the library Databases. The full-text of articles found in databases will generally not be available on the Internet without paying a fee.

Finding Research Tools

Look under Research Tools for a list of useful guides developed by the librarians to assist you with enhancing your research. Guides include examples for citing MLA and APA style formats, understanding plagiarism, research tips, locating controversial issues, distinguishing the differences between magazine and journal articles, and much more.