Northeastern State University Libraries

How is the NSU Library organized?

Maps
     Physical Overview of the Library

Hours

Journalism materials are classified in the PNs.  On the first floor are journalism dictionaries, style manuals and other reference tools. On second floor and in electronic format are the journals available in Journalism.  On third floor are the circulating books, such as books on improving writing and examples of good reporting.  There are also useful videos (All the President's Men) available at the Reserve Desk. 

What are journals; where do they come from; why are they important?

The Flow of Information (from the UCLA College Library) depicts how information about an event can be represented in different types of resources. Understanding how information is disseminated helps to know where to look and the attributes of each format.

The cycle of information is an interesting one.  Research starts with an idea.  Someone becomes curious about something and wants to explore it.  Literature reviews are conducted, empirical evidence is gathered.  The researcher may wish to cross disciplinary lines and take a theory from one field and apply it to another.  The researcher writes an article.  If the article adds to the body of knowledge or presents a new concept, a journal in that discipline might be interested in publishing it. Article submissions go through a reviewing process in which multiple reviewers will read and comment on the article.  This is an example of a refereed journal article. If it passes the review process, the article is published in the journal.  Indexers read journal articles and assign subject headings to the articles and place the citation in indexes.  Researchers comb indexes to find articles, and the whole cycle starts over.  This is a cycle that occurs right here at NSU.  Our faculty and students are publishing.  You can become a part of the process, too. Exciting, isn't it?

How do I locate subjects in journals?

For Mass Communications, Communication and Mass Media Complete is a good index.

When approaching a database, look for help screens for complete information on how to search it effectively.  Check for scope notes that identify the contents of the database.  For instance, what dates and types of materials are included in the database. Check for ways to search and limit the search.  Can it be searched by full text and subject?  Can the search be limited by date, language or full text? Check for an online thesaurus to help identify how the index defines terms.  Does the database use remedial reading or developmental reading?  Knowing the terms in the database can help increase the effectiveness of the search.

How do I write an abstract?

Writing Summaries from Columbia University

How do I cite sources using A.P.A. style?

The Tutorial on Citations provides a good overview to citing resources. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association  is located on the first floor at the call number Ref. BF.76.7.P83.  Also, try the APA Web site.

SophiaBeverley Threatt, MLS, MA
Instructor of Library Services
Languages and Literature and Communication, Art, & Theatre
Resource Coordinator
(918) 444-3267
threatt@nsuok.edu