Research Blog Entry Chapter 9 The Bedford Researcher

Searching for Information with Print Resources

How can I use the library stacks to locate sources?

Browse the stacks. Most libraries are organized using the Dewey decimal classification system, which is subject based. Similar subjects are shelved together.

Check out books and periodicals. There are always options even if a book has been checked out I may be able to recall it and have it sent to the library and reserved. 

Use interlibrary loan. If a book has been checked out I can also have another copy sent from a different library to the one in my geographic location.

How can I use a library periodicals room to locate sources?

The periodicals room contains recent issues for library visitors to browse. I can also find back issues of leading newspapers in full-text databases or in microforms.

Use works cited lists to find key voices. When I find an article that is relevant to my topic I can check the list of sources for related articles. Authors whose work is cited frequently will probably be key voices on the subject. Their work may be controversial, fundamental, central to the issue.

How can I use a library reference room to locate sources?

Consult bibliographies. Trade bibliographies, general bibliographies, and specialized bibliographies will be helpful to find sources. To locate bibliographies consult a cumulative bibliography, libraries online catalog, or seek help from a reference librarian.

Consult indexes. Periodical indexes. indexes of materials in books, pamphlet indexes, government documents indexes, and citation indexes. 

Consult biographies. These cover key figures in a field, time period, or geographic region.

Consult general and specialized encyclopedias. These provide a little knowledge about allot of different things. These usually provide enough information however, to refine my search.

Consult handbooks. These provide useful background information about a topic in compact form.

Consult almanacs. These contain lists, charts, and tables of information of various types.

Consult atlases. These provide maps and related information about a region or country.

Discuss my research project with others. Return to my research log with what I have learned then ask if I have taken advantage of the print resources available in my library.