Introduction to Library Research
Welcome
 

Library Orientation

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How do I use Web for Students?

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My Library Record
What is My Library Record?
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What is my PIN?

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Off Campus Access
What is Off Campus Access?

Who has Off Campus Access?
What can I do with Off Campus Access?
How do I get Off Campus Access?

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Interlibrary Loan

What is Interlibrary Loan?

How do I use Interlibrary Loan?

What if I have questions or need help?

Library Guide to Starting Research

Developing a Research Topic
Generate Topic Ideas

Define Your Topic

Construct the Research Question

Select Keywords to Use as Search Terms

Keep Track of Sources

Collecting Background Information
Why start with reference sources?

Types of Reference Sources

How to find Reference Sources

Identifying Types of Information Sources
Introduction
Primary and Secondary Sources

Scholarly and Popular Sources

The Web and Library Databases
 

Evaluating Information Sources

Introduction

Guidelines for Selecting Sources

Caution! Web Sources

Checklist for Evaluation Information

Citing Information

Citing Sources and Plagiarism

Citation Styles

Style Manuals Available at Chesnutt Library

Searching for Materials at Chesnutt Library

Searching the Chesnutt Library Online Catalog

What will I find in the Chesnutt Library online catalog?

How do I find books in the Chesnutt Library Online catalog?

How do I find the book or item?

Searching for journal articles, book reviews, etc.

How do I find journal articles, book reviews, etc.?

Search for your topic and create a list of article citations.

Searching for Journal Titles

How do I find journal titles in the Chesnutt Library online catalog?

Why Start with Reference Sources?

Why Start with Reference Sources?

Reference sources provide excellent background information.  Collecting background information on your topic can help you expand your search term vocabulary and conduct better searches. Reference sources are a stepping stone to the primary and secondary sources that should comprise the bulk of your research. For example, encyclopedia articles are often followed by carefully selected bibliographies or lists of references to other works, useful items to have as you begin looking for additional information.

Reference Sources

-         are either subject-based (Encyclopedia of gun control and gun rights) or general (The World Encyclopedia)

-         May cover current and/or historical information

-         are organized alphabetically, topically, or chronologically

Types of Reference Sources

Ø      Almanac

Ø      Atlas

Ø      Bibliography

Ø      Biographical Dictionary

Ø      Concordance

Ø      Dictionary

Ø      Directory

Ø      Encyclopedia

Ø      Gazetteer

Ø      Guidebook

Ø      Handbooks & Manuals

Ø      Index

Ø      Yearbook

To search the online catalog for a specific type of Reference Source:

1. Click “Keywords” search

2. Type [type of reference source] and [subject word]

   Examples

                                                  Almanac and business

                                                  Atlas and American history

                                                  Bibliography and American literature

                                                  Dictionary and medical

3. Click “Search”

Almanac: is usually a single volume compilation of facts and statistics on a topic.

Atlas: a book of maps and geographical information.

Bibliography: a list of sources (books, articles, and other information sources) on information for a specific subject or author.

Biographical Dictionary: short summaries of the lives of people

Concordance: an alphabetical list of the principal keywords or phrases contained in a book, with citations of the passages in which they occur.

Dictionary: defines words and terms, confirms spelling, definition, and pronunciation, used to find out how words are used, and helps to locate synonyms and antonyms and to trace the origin of words.

Directory: lists the names and addresses of individuals, companies, organizations, and institutions.

Encyclopedia: covers knowledge or branches of knowledge in a comprehensive, but summary fashion; useful for providing facts and giving a broad survey of a topic; written by specialists.

Gazetteer: a geographical index or dictionary (no maps).

Guidebook: a book that provides detailed descriptions of places that is intended primirly for the guidance of strangers or visitors, giving a description of the roads, places, or objects of interest to be found there, geographical facts, and possibly maps.

Handbooks & Manuals: handbooks treat one broad subject in brief, or give a brief survey of a subject; manuals tell how to do something, such as how something operates, or provide descriptions of the inner workings of an organization.

Index: lists citations to periodical articles, books, and proceedings, and tells where they can be found.

Yearbook: covers the trends and events of the previous year; may be general in coverage, limited to one subject, or restricted to one geographical area.

How to Find Reference Sources

Search the online catalog

To search the online catalog for a specific type of Reference Source:

1. Click “Keywords” search

2. Type [type of reference source] and [subject word]

   1. Examples

                                                               i.      Almanac and business

                                                             ii.      Atlas and American history

                                                            iii.      Bibliography and American literature

                                                           iv.      Dictionary and medical

3. Click “Search”

Browse the Subject Guides that list reference sources by course and topic.

A guide to reference books can help you find reference sources specific to your topic.

Examples:

ARBA Guide to Subject Encyclopedias and Dictionaries edited by Susan C. Awe (FSU Reference Z5848 .A72 1997)

Guide to Information Sources in the Physical Sciences by David Stern (FSU Reference QC5.35 .S74 2000)

Education: A Guide to Reference and Information Sources by Nancy Patricia O'Brien (FSU Main Stacks LB15 .O27 2000 also available through NetLibrary)

The Business Library and How to Use It : A Guide to Sources and Research Strategies for Information on Business and Management edited by Ernest L. Maier (FSU Reference Z675.B8 B87 1996)

The Humanities: A Selective Guide to Information Sources by Ron Blazek and Elizabeth Aversa (available through NetLibrary).

Reference librarians can help you select reference sources appropriate to your topic and discipline. You may receive help by going to the reference desk during reference hours.

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Charles W. Chesnutt Library, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, N.C. 28301
Page Maintained By: Laura Bell Wright lwright@uncfsu.edu
Last Updated: 8/31/04