Finding Books

Why Use Books for research?

Books are useful for research because they: Book shelves

give in-depth coverage of a topic
often provide background information on a topic
are used to get an overview of a topic
demonstrate how a research topic relates to broader, narrower and related issues
lead readers to other related books and reference sources

Books are sometimes NOT useful if the research topic is very new or narrow in focus. It can take over a year for many academic books to be published. Use articles to find information on a very current topic.

What Is The Library Catalog?

The library catalog is the database containing a record for every book, magazine, journal, newspaper, video, audio cassette, CD, DVD, and/or other item owned by a library.

Use the online catalog to find out which books are available, on what subjects, and where they are located in a particular library.

What The Catalog Is NOT!

Do NOT use the catalog to look for articles on research topic. Use indexes to find articles and article references. Specific magazine, journal or newspaper articles can NOT be found by using a library catalog.
The library catalog is not useful for finding Web sites.

How To Use the Library Catalog

Watch the demonstration about accessing and using the catalog.

TO VIEW THE DEMONSTRATION:

Just click on the button below, and the demonstration will begin by opening a new window.
The demonstration will automatically move forward.
If you wish to move quicker or slower through the demonstration, just click on the buttons on the right side of the window.
When you are finished, click on the X at the top right corner of the window

Watch Demonstration

Practice

View the Catalog demonstration.
Go to the UVSC Library's catalog and type in your topic.
Locate 1 book which has information related to your topic.
Write down the title, author and call number for the library exercise.

Continue
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