ENG 190-05 Hoeynck

Greetings! Several made comments or had questions to which I'll try to respond here. If you have further questions, or any time you need help in the library, don't hesitate to ask a reference librarian.

I am still confused about how to access a book or periodical that is not available in SLU's library.

If SLU's library does not own a book you need, check the MOBIUS catalog which we looked at during the first session in September. If there is a MOBIUS copy available, you can request it by clicking on the "Request this item" link.

If no MOBIUS copy is available, you can submit an interlibrary loan request through ILLiad. Just remember that getting a book through interlibrary loan takes longer (1 to 2 weeks is average).

For journal articles, if SLU doesn't have something electronically or in print, submit an interlibrary loan request through ILLiad and use the "request a photocopy" form.

I was unclear on which database was best for my research. When I went into a database subject, there are many options. I'm unsure what the difference between these options are.

another similar comment

I still feel a bit unclear about how I should decide which database to start with and which databases would be helpful in searching for information on such a specific topic.

I sympathize, there are so many options that it is sometime difficult to know which one to choose. And we don't assume that you will know which database to choose. That's why, if you're unsure, it's best to ask a reference librarian for help. We try to find out exactly what it is you're looking for (we may ask you several questions to do that) and determine which database is best for your particular research need. If your research is in a subject field in which the reference librarian is not that familiar with the databases, we can refer you to the reference librarian who specializes in that field.

I'm confused about how ILLiad works. If I had directions about how to use it, it would be helpful.

You might look at the Interlibrary Loan FAQ which may clarify some things for you. You can also come by the reference desk where a reference librarian will be glad to walk you through the process.

I still am unclear how to go about finding & decoding the call # on an article/book in the library, even if I found it online.

I can't recall if I mentioned this in the first session (I know I didn't today) but there is a call number location guide (printed copies of this are available at the circulation desk and reference desk) which will tell where in the library you can find a particular call number. That's really the only "decoding" of the call #s you need to do; you do not need to know, for example, that all E call #s are American history. Think of the call # as the book's address in the library.

Where are the on file journal articles stored? all in one place or integrated through the whole library by subject?

There are 3 places where a journal might be shelved in Pius Library. The first is in "Current Periodicals" (on the lower level just outside the classroom) where current year periodicals/periodicals from the last 12 months are shelved. The second is on microfilm which is stored in cabinets, also on the lower level. The third place is for those journals from previous years which have been bound and put on shelves throughout the library. In all three cases, the journals are shelved by call number, in terms of your question, they are "integrated through the whole library by subject." You can get the call number for any journal/magazine/newspaper by doing a "Journal Title" search in the library catalog.

Also, remember that most pre-2000 journals are now housed at the Locust Street Facility; you can request digital copies of articles from journals kept there through ILLiad.

How to fully use a database [is still unclear]

There are a number of aspects of database searching that I didn't have time to get into in today's sessions. Most databases have a number of functionalities and search capabilities that will allow you to do almost anything you want to do. If there is something in particular you would like to do in a database, just ask a reference librarian for help. It's what we're here for!

I know when searching for articles I will find it hard to search the correct topic. Every time the librarian clicks on a link I don't know exactly what he clicks on.

As always, if you're stuck, ask for help. It isn't always easiest to follow what I'm doing in the classroom (sometimes I go too fast) and the screen at the front can be difficult to see.

Our librarian couldn't help at all with our assignment, to be honest. The large majority of the class is choosing a software program, and we still have no idea where to go for it.

I saved my favorite comment for last. I will be the first to confess that this research topic (especially researching software) is not my area of expertise. Frankly, before today, I have never looked at the databases listed under "Computer Science." That's why we have reference librarians who specialize in different subjects. We have a reference librarian who is designated as the "electronic resources librarian" who knows a lot more about computers and software than I do. So I hope that you will still be willing to ask a reference librarian to help you; if that particular librarian cannot, then we will try to find someone who can!