Welcome to your library course guide! This guide will help you
The last bullet point is the easiest to answer: Think of me (Jeff) as your personal course librarian. Use the contact information under my photo (below). Feel free to email research questions and/or set up an appointment to talk about your research.
When you're searching in databases, you may find lots of materials that are not full text in the database or available here in print. To find the full text, click the FindIt! button (the bright yellow one).
A few possible things might happen.
If you're searching the catalog and find books we don't have, click the title of the book you want and then look for the Request from Another Library button.
If you click the FindIt! button and nothing works, or a link is broken, or ILL isn't working, or you're not sure if we have the journal in print or you just can't make the darn thing work, it's okay! Tracking down the hard copies of materials can be challenging, due to the number of systems that may or may not talk to each other. You should always track down a librarian (stop at the Information Desk, email me, etc.), and we can help you find your materials.
You can also click the Tracking Down Materials tab (top) for more information.
You should be thinking about search terms - and using more than one word or phrase. Pay attention to the terms that experts in the field use to identify your topic. Also consult the Search Tips tab (top of page) for more ideas on how to search.
The Accessing Hard Copies box to the left, as well as the Tracking Down Materials tab (top of page) give detailed information on getting materials from other libraries; feel free to email me with specific questions, too.
Finally, use the Choosing Sources tab for help on determining whether or not you're looking at a scholarly source.
To find books in our library, search the Library Catalog - you can also search directly via the search box on the library's homepage.
When you find books that look useful, write down the Location (usually will be something like General Collection, Reference, Browsing, Oversize, etc.) & the Call Number (a long string of letters & numbers).
General Collection, A - PQ are on the Third Floor
General Collection, PR - Z are on the Second (Main) Floor
Oversize, A - Z are on the Third Floor
Reference, A - Z are on the Second (Main) Floor.
Once you are in the right area, signs on the sides of the shelves will direct you further. The system is a little tricky to figure out at first, so don't hesitate to ask for directions at the Information Desk (main floor of the library).
Browse the shelves when you find a useful book. Books are shelved according to topic, so chances are you'll find other relevant books nearby.
You can check books out at the Information Desk.