Janice McIntire-Strasburg - Section 1 (MTWR 1:30-3:00) Summer 2009

Hi everyone! Here are my responses to the questions you submitted at the end of our library research class yesterday. I'll do my best to explain things, but if you still have questions, please email me and/or post a comment below. -- Jamie Schmid (Your ENGL-190 Librarian)

"Can you renew through SLU's library books borrowed from other libraries?"

Yes! You may renew books that you borrow from other MOBIUS libraries. Two 21-day renewals are permitted unless another patron has requested the book. Books requested through Interlibrary Loan (opposed to MOBIUS) can usually be renewed. When you pick up the book from the library, there will be a paper band with information on it that says "no renewals" if renewals are not possible for that item.

"How do you find films (documentaries)?"

Instructions on how to find films in the SLU Libraries can be found on the library's Film Research Guide.

I'm unclear on "how to make the scope of a search smaller."

To narrow a search you have several options. You can include additional or more specific keywords in your search that will help you hone in on your topic. For example, instead of searching for "videogames", you could search for "videogames and violence and teenagers." Another option would be to limit your search by publication date or type. Different databases and library catalogs will give you different options for limiting your searches. Please keep in mind that this is something you'll want to do when your searches are getting many results. If you aren't getting very many results, you'll need to broaden your search.

"Searching government documents is still a little unclear."

We really didn't talk about government documents in our class yesterday. I just mentioned that they were moving to the new Locust Street Library Facility. In general, you can find government documents using the SLU Libraries Catalog just like you would find a book. you may also want to take a look at the list of frequently used government documents we have on the SLU Libraries Web site. Many of these documents are available online. If there is a specific government document that you're looking for, please let me know. I'd be happy to help you.

"Locating books is still a bit unclear, but as long as I have the locating guide I don't think it's that difficult." AND "Some of the database stuff" is still unclear.

As you become more experienced researchers, these things will become easier and easier. It just takes practice and effort.

I hope this blog post helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to help you!