How to Conduct Research in an Academic Library
Performing scholarly research in an academic library doesn't have to be a daunting task. Locating the right materials in a research facility is easy, even if you're not a master of the Dewey Decimal System. Review the information below to conduct research in an academic library setting.
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Things You'll Need
- Access to an academic library
- Library card
- Copy card or money for copies
Instructions
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Define your subject matter. Have a clear idea of what information you're searching for. Also think about keywords associated with your research topic.
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2
Determine what types of resources you want to use. In addition to books, academic libraries house periodicals, journals, magazines and other non-book materials. They also offer access to online databases with full-text, authoritative articles.
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Arrive to the library equipped with paper and a writing utensil. Also bring your library card, a photo ID and money for copies.
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Begin your research. Using the library's online catalog, search by title, author, subject or keyword. Browse through title hits that match your search criteria.
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Write down the call numbers of those materials you wish to locate. Take notice of prefixes indicating the material is shelved in a special area. This may include reference materials, large print, textbooks and items kept at an offsite storage facility.
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Determine what floor or area of the library the materials are located. Use a stack guide to orient yourself to the layout and shelving system.
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Check out your materials or make copies of pages.
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Tips & Warnings
When performing a keyword search, refine your search as much as possible. Use Boolean operators like "and, or and not" to limit and expand your results.
Familiarize yourself with the library's policy of use. Some academic libraries restrict use to faculty and staff. If you're neither, you might have limited or no access to the collection.
Before you go to retrieve a book, check the availability status to make sure it isn't already checked out.
If you check out library materials, be sure you know the due date and fine structure for overdue materials.
Know that most academic libraries shelve books according to the Library of Congress classification system. Expect call numbers to look something like: SF 426.5 G53.
