Library Research Exercise
Name________________________________
Course and Section # Topic________________________________
Reference Books
Locate a general encyclopedia that will inform you on your topic.
(Located in REF.AE...)
1. Encyclopedia title ________________________________
Page number(s) ________________________________
Title of article ________________________________
Author (if available) ________________________________
Locate two subject encyclopedia sources on your topic. Subject encyclopedias may include handbooks, dictionaries, manuals, and guides. Subject encyclopedias cover your topic in much greater depth and detail than a general encyclopedia. (Ask the librarian at the reference desk for assistance in locating these special sources.)
2. Encyclopedia title ________________________________
Page number(s) ________________________________
Title of article ________________________________
Author ________________________________
3. Encyclopedia title ________________________________
Page number(s) ________________________________
Title of article ________________________________
Author ________________________________
Statistics are often used to underpin an argument in your paper. Write the name of a statistical book by browsing the REF.HA section, or the name of an almanac in the REF.AY section. (Other statistical works may be found in the subject areas as well.)
4. Title of statistical work ________________________________
ILLINET (Jacobs Library Online Catalog)
In order to effectively search computerized catalogs, you need to develop a list of words or phrases that describe your topic. The more appropriate words and phrases you have, the more effective and efficient your research.
An excellent way to develop such a list is by consulting the Library of Congress Subject Headings (four volumes), which are located on a table on the west wall of the main library. Look up your topic, and list the main heading in the bold black print. Underneath you will find BT (broader terms), NT (narrower terms), and RT (related terms). All of these terms could be potentially useful. If you need help, please quietly ask a librarian at the Reference Desk for assistance.
5. List as many terms and phrases as you can find on your topic.
Using the subject words and phrases that you found, and any author’s names you encountered during the above research process, locate two books in the IVCC library catalog (ILLINET Online) on your topic. For assistance in using ILLINET Online please refer ti the handout "Using ILLINET Online."
| 6. Title _______________________ | 7. Title ______________________ |
| Author ________________________ | Author _______________________ |
| Call number__________________ | Call number _______________________ |
| Does IVCC have this book? ________________________ | Does IVCC have this book? _______________________ |
| If yes, is it available for loan? _______________________ | If yes, is it available for loan? ________________________ |
| If no, which school can lend it to you? ________________________ | If no, which school can lend it to you? _______________________ |
Periodical Indexes
Find three periodical articles with information that relates to your topic. Use one of the print indexes (located on the index tables near the Circulation desk) for your first article. Use INFOTRAC’s Academic Index (CD-ROM database, located on one of the computers in front of the Circulation desk) for the second article. From the Online Catalog Main Menu use CARL UnCover for the third article (see instructional sheet available in the library on how to use CARL UnCover.)
8. Print Index:
Periodical title ________________________________
Title of article ________________________________
Author ________________________________
Volume ________________________________
Page(s) ________________________________
Date ________________________________
9. INFOTRAC:
Periodical title ________________________________
Title of article ________________________________
Author ________________________________
Volume ________________________________
Page(s) ________________________________
Date ________________________________
10. CARL UnCover:
Periodical title ________________________________
Title of article ________________________________
Author ________________________________
Volume ________________________________
Page(s) ________________________________
Date ________________________________
To determine whether the IVCC owns the above periodicals, check the Periodical Holdings List (numerous copies are located around the index tables, microfiche cabinets, reference desk, etc.). This list is an alphabetical listing by title of periodicals that are owned by the IVCC Library. This list describes what ranges of years are available and if the periodical may be found in paper, microfilm, or microfiche, etc.
Does IVCC own the specified volumes of the periodicals listed above? If so, in what form? If not, who (what library) does?
11. For #8 above: Yes/No Form/Owner ________________________________
12. For #9 above: Yes/No Form/Owner ________________________________
13. For #10 above: Yes/No Form/Owner ________________________________