Glossary of Library Terms

ALEX Catalog

Alexander Mack Library’s online catalog where patrons can search through our holding of books, ebooks, CDs, and DVDs

Dewey Decimal System

Used by the library to organize its materials and create a call number for each item describing where it is in our collection

eResources

Electronic databases, periodicals, books, or other resources subscribed to by the library

General Collection

Books housed on the 1^st and 2^nd floor of the library that can be checked out from the library

Reference Collection

Section on the first floor of the library that houses encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other materials useful for background information on a topic, these materials cannot be checked out of the library

 

 

Tips to Keep in mind while Searching

Databases

§  Use the Advanced Search options as ways to narrow or limit your search results

§  Explore the subject terms or thesaurus terms you can use instead of a normal keyword search. (They are standardized so you don’t have to worry about synonyms or homographs)

§  After finding a useful article check the subjects or keywords attached to it. This can lead you to more efficient search terms.

§  Remember that Periodical Locator can find the full text of articles in varying databases.

 

When you come across materials you need but we don’t have full text access, fill out an Interlibrary Loan request (just remember to allow 1-2 weeks for delivery).

 

Search Tips that Span the Information Universe

§  Remember to use Boolean Operators

o    AND will produce results containing BOTH terms (e.g. birds AND bees)

o    OR generates results that  contain EITHER term (e.g. dogs OR canines)

o    NOT results will include the first term, but not the second (cats NOT musical)

§  Quotation marks will isolate that phrase: “natural selection” lists results containing only that specific phrase, but results for natural selection would contain natural AND selection somewhere, not necessarily side by side.

 

 

Evaluation Criteria

Use these questions to tell whether a source is reliable

 

§  Who is the author of this information?

Does the author have any sort of authority regarding the topic? Why they are presenting this information? Be aware that the author might have some sort of bias or alternative goal of misinformation. 

 

§  When was the information published?

If the information is a book or article, check the copyright date to make sure that the information is up to date. A good website always indicates when the page was last updated. Out of date information is just as bad as information that is completely false.

 

§  Where was the information located?

Check the type of book, magazine, or URL. A scholarly journal or book has stricter standards than popular books or magazines. If the website is affiliated with a recognized academic institution or organization, then it will usually be more trustworthy than a personal site.

 

§  Is the information accurate?

Does the author(s) provide a list of where they got their information? These lists allow you to verify their research, along with providing you with additional resources pertaining to your topic

 

 

Popular VS Scholarly Sources

Usually you can look at the following areas to make your decision.

 

§  Publisher

Is the publisher a professional organization or association? Is the publisher affiliated with an academic institution?

§  Graphics

Are the graphics tables, diagrams or other illustrations which support the articles? Or are they glossy photos/illustrations that enhance the text?

§  Language

Is the terminology used in the titles or abstracts particular to that specific discipline? Or is the subject explained in common terms?

§  Authors

Does the periodical list the authors’ credentials and affiliations with the profession? Or are the authors professional/ freelance journalists?

§  Citations

Is there a list of cited works at the end of each article?

§  Advertisements

Are there advertisements related only to that discipline or do they refer to national products? (e.g. a national conference or Michelin tires?)

 

 

Help Using the library

Library’s website- http://www.bridgewater.edu/library

§  Find library hours, and access all of our electronic resources, which are also available off campus!

Library’s Blog- http://www.theunclassifiedlibrary.blogspot.com

§  Keep up to date with library events, and new resources

Library’s Wiki- http://www.alexmacklibrary.pbwiki.com

§   “How Tos” outlining how to use a number of our library resources

§  Subject resource guides for the major disciplines.

§  Video tutorials take you step by step through using our most popular resources

 

 

Contacting a Librarian

Reference Desk: 828-5642 or reference@bridgewater.edu

§  Help finding the information you need for a project

Circulation Desk: 828-5413 or circulation@bridgewater.edu

§  Basic questions about the library

§  Renewing or putting a hold on materials

My contact information: 828-5415 or cbiddle@bridgewater.edu