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Basic Methods for Library Research

Basic Methods for Library Research. An Information Literacy Workshop Houston Community College Libraries. Why “methods”?. A method is a way of doing something that has proven successful in the past. With proven methods, you can improve your own chances of success. Without them …. OUCH!.

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Basic Methods for Library Research

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  1. Basic Methods for Library Research An Information Literacy Workshop Houston Community College Libraries

  2. Why “methods”? • A method is a way of doing something that has proven successful in the past. • With proven methods, you can improve your own chances of success. • Without them … OUCH!

  3. Recognize your information needs. Get a library card. Ask a librarian for help. Describe what you need. Learn about differences among sources. Check the reference collection. Use the online catalog to find books. Use call numbers to locate books. Request books from other campus libraries. Use your library card to check out books. Use the online catalog to find videotapes. Use indexes or databases to find articles. Use library online databases from home. Use reserve materials. Use an Internet search engine. Get a TexShare card to use other libraries. Study in the library. Evaluate everything. Ask a librarian for help! A List of the Methods

  4. Method #1: Recognize your information needs. • To complete class assignments • To write research papers • To answer questions • To solve problems • To explore difficult concepts and ideas • To get more facts • To make personal decisions How does it come about that arrows point? Who said that? Where can I find out?

  5. Method #2: Get a library card. With a card you will be able to: • Check out books. • Renew books online. • Request books. • Use databases from home. • Use other library services. Thank you for computers! Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is a library card holder.

  6. Method #3: Ask a librarian for help. Research is a team sport. Get a librarian on your team! Where is everyone?

  7. Method #4: Describe what you need. Answers! • Is it for an assignment? What kind? • An overview or a definition? • Current or older? • Popular or scholarly? • Fiction or nonfiction?

  8. Method #5: Learn about differences among info sources. My mother told me. • There are many important distinctions to be made between sources such as books, magazines, journals, the Internet, etc. • Everything is not on the Internet. She’s the famous economist.

  9. Method #6: Check the reference collection. You’ll be surprised what you can pull out of reference books such as • Encyclopedias • Dictionaries • Handbooks • Guides • Etc.

  10. Method #7: Use the online catalog to find books. • The catalog provides access to books and other materials in all HCCS libraries. • With a library card, you can also request that a book be transferred to a library convenient for you.

  11. Method #8: Use call numbers to locate books. • Books in the HCCS libraries are arranged by Library of Congress call numbers. • LC call numbers begin with a letter between A and Z.

  12. Method #9:Request books from other campus libraries. Why didn’t I just request the book online! Doh! With a library card, you can also request that a book be transferred to a library convenient for you. Books are usually delivered in 2 or 3 days.

  13. Method #10: Use your library card to check out books. Only five books, kid! Check out books for in-depth reading. • Books are checked out for 2 weeks. Renewals are allowed. • Certain restrictions apply.

  14. Method #11: Use the online catalog to find videotapes. The HCCS libraries have a good number of videotapes related to various courses. Most videotapes are for library use only.

  15. Method #12: Use indexes or databases to find articles. Libraries usually provide access to 3 kinds of periodicals: • Newspapers • Magazines • Journals (“peer-reviewed”) Examples of Journals

  16. Method #13: Use library online databases from home. Type in the number from your card. With an HCCS library card and Internet access, you can do a lot of your research at home. It says, “Barcode.”

  17. Method #14: Use reserve materials. Teachers often put materials they want you to study on reserve in the library. Ask for these materials at the circulation desk. You will be allowed to use them only in the library. You may not take them home. Wait here.

  18. Method #15: Use an Internet search engine. Fetch this! • The Internet can be a good supplement to traditional library research sources. • Use it wisely!

  19. Method #16: Get a Texshare card to use other libraries. • It’s free! • It’s good at participating libraries throughout Texas! It’s ideal!

  20. Method #17:Study in the library. • The library is a good place to study alone or with other students. • You’ll have personal help (from librarians) and all the library resources handy. • Why not form a study group?

  21. Method #18: Evaluate everything. • Relevance • Credibility • Currency • Authority • Accuracy • Completeness • Bias • Depth • Documentation

  22. Method #19: Ask a librarian. Maximize your achievement!

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