Libraries can be very complex.  This first lesson looks at a few important facts about libraries.

(See the column to the right for assignment questions related to this lesson)
 

1. Book Classification

View this presentation - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1y5n9MEf7WMQyT0h1FuIzslorssBSloG7hfguvGHdKRc/edit?usp=sharing. Be sure to click on View --> Present in order to see the presentation full screen:

2. Format

Though the library has many resources (especially books) in print format, it has even more in electronic format, including e-books and electronic journal/magazine articles.  All of our resources are available through the library search engines.  Here is some information about electronic formats.

a. E-books

When you find a result of a search in the library system that looks like this, you know you have an e-book:

if you click on the PDF, you will get the full book online:

b. Electronic journal articles

Journal articles are shorter works.  Journals are available by subscription, and the library subscribes to many of them.  Here is what a journal article search result looks like:

Click on the PDF and you can read, download or print the article:

3. Reference Books

The library has many dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, atlases, etc. that give you brief information about various topics.  You can find them in print form in the library building (main floor, back left section) or online through one of our research guides: http://libguides.twu.ca/ (go to the Books/E-books section in each guide).

For example, here is a list in biblical studies:

Such reference sources are a great way for you to begin your research by getting a working knowledge of your topic.  The articles within are short and provide essential information:

4. Research Guides

The library has research guides for many subjects.  They provide you with information to find the books, articles, and so on, that you need for your research.  You will find links to our guides at  http://libguides.twu.ca/.  Here are some screenshots of what is available in various guides:

The library home page is your doorway into the books, articles and other information available through the library. This page also gives you contacts to people who can help you with your research.

View this presentation:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xE9ap8F_R0NH604qizuzqIeSlsXpDQETeMCIuGuN7Tw/edit?usp=sharing.  It will open in a new tab.  Be sure to click on View--> Present at the top of the screen so that you can see the presentation at full size.

Answer the following questions:

a. What is the purpose of book classification?

b. How does a library classification system organize books?

(   ) By size
(    ) By age of the book
(    ) By topic

c. The library has the following in electronic format

(     ) Books

(     ) Journal articles

(     ) Reference books

(     ) All three of above

d. What is a reference book?

e. How can a Research Guide help you?

f. In the OneSearch box, what tab will help you find special article databases?

g. What will you find in Search Everything?

h. What is interlibrary loan?

i. What are research tutorials?