The Longview Library is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and community members, offering a vast collection of books, journals, and digital materials. To make the most of this library, it's essential to know how to navigate its resources effectively. In this article, we will provide 10 Longview Library tips for easy research, covering topics such as database selection, search techniques, and citation management.
Getting Started with Longview Library Resources
The Longview Library website is the perfect place to begin your research journey. With a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive catalog, you can easily find books, articles, and other materials relevant to your topic. The library’s online resources include academic databases, such as JSTOR and EBSCO, which provide access to a wide range of scholarly articles and journals. Additionally, the library offers interlibrary loan services, allowing you to request materials from other libraries if they are not available locally.
Navigating the Library Catalog
To find specific books or materials, use the library’s online catalog, which allows you to search by title, author, or keyword. You can also filter your results by format, such as books, DVDs, or e-books. The catalog provides detailed information about each item, including its location, availability, and a brief summary. For example, if you’re looking for books on a specific topic, you can use the subject heading search feature to find relevant materials.
| Database | Description |
|---|---|
| JSTOR | A comprehensive database of scholarly articles and journals in the humanities and social sciences |
| EBSCO | A database providing access to a wide range of academic journals, magazines, and newspapers |
| ProQuest | A database offering a variety of academic journals, newspapers, and dissertations |
Effective Search Techniques
To conduct efficient research, it’s crucial to develop effective search techniques. Start by defining your research question and identifying the key concepts and keywords related to your topic. Use Boolean operators, such as AND, OR, and NOT, to refine your search and get the most relevant results. You can also use quotations to search for exact phrases and wildcards to search for variations of a word.
Using Library Databases
The Longview Library offers a range of databases that can help you find relevant information for your research. For example, Academic Search Complete is a comprehensive database that provides access to a wide range of academic journals, magazines, and newspapers. You can also use Google Scholar to search for scholarly articles and books, and Microsoft Academic to search for academic publications and authors.
In addition to these databases, the library also offers research guides and tutorials to help you get started with your research. These guides provide tips and strategies for searching the library's resources, evaluating sources, and citing your work. You can also consult with librarians who are experts in their fields and can provide personalized guidance and support.
Organizing and Citing Your Sources
Once you’ve found relevant sources, it’s essential to organize and cite them properly. The Longview Library offers a range of citation tools, such as RefWorks and Zotero, which can help you manage your sources and format your citations correctly. You can also use citation guides to learn more about different citation styles, such as MLA, APA, and Chicago.
Using Citation Management Tools
Citation management tools can save you time and effort when it comes to organizing and citing your sources. For example, RefWorks is a web-based tool that allows you to import citations from databases, organize your sources, and format your citations in a variety of styles. You can also use Zotero to collect, organize, and cite your sources, and Mendeley to manage your sources and collaborate with others.
| Citation Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| RefWorks | A web-based tool for managing and formatting citations |
| Zotero | A tool for collecting, organizing, and citing sources |
| Mendeley | A tool for managing sources and collaborating with others |
What is the best way to search the library catalog?
+The best way to search the library catalog is to use specific keywords and subject headings, and to narrow down your search using factors such as publication date, language, and format.
How can I get help with my research?
+You can get help with your research by consulting with librarians, using research guides and tutorials, and attending workshops and classes on research skills and citation management.
What citation style should I use for my research paper?
+The citation style you should use for your research paper depends on the requirements of your instructor or the publication you are submitting to. Common citation styles include MLA, APA, and Chicago.
