Goals

1. Learn about basic Library research services
2. Learn to find research information in the Library, in the Library's subscription databases, and the free web
3. Understand the differences in information found in the Library, in databases, and the on the free web

Library Research Services

• Research help both in-person and online
• Get a Library card!
• Start at the Library website

Searching the Library

• Use the Library catalog
• What you'll find: Books, videos, audio, software, models and other physical items in the Library
• General charactersitics: Broad scope, authoritative, not as timely

Searching Databases

• Use the Library's online subscription databases and your Library card (for off-campus access)
• What you'll find: Online full-text or articles from journals, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias and other specialized resources
• General characterisitcs: Narrower scope, authoritative, timely

Free Websites

• Use specialized search tools and advanced search features
• What you'll find: All kinds of stuff
• General characteristics: Very broad to very narrow scope, authority is up to you to decide, very timely