| |
Languages and Literature
ENGLISH 1213 Hibbs
Gary L. Cheatham
Sarah Brick Archer
Assistant Professor of
Library Services, Resource Coordinator for the
Dept. of Languages and Literature
Ofc.: Rm# 308B, ext.: #3267
Why should I do research?
Research can lead to information; information can lead to knowledge,
and knowledge is powerful. All of the informational resources available
originated from someone being curious about something, exploring it,
and sharing the findings.
How is the NSU Library organized?
Maps
Library of Congress
Hours
General Concepts
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. Check for
advanced search screens and see different ways that the search can be
limited. For instance, what dates and types of materials are
included in the database? Can it be searched by full text and subject?
Can
the search be limited by date, language or full text? Each database
uses controlled subject headings that can be accessed through the
online thesaurus.
How do I Locate Information about Values, Conduct, and Meaning?
Journals:
Use some of the following subject headings in Academic
Search Premier:
Values= Values, Cultural values, dignity, family values (Concept),
social values
Conduct= Conduct of life, altruism, caring, charity, contentment,
courage, fairness, forgiveness, friendship, honor, human behavior,
kindness, loyalty, patience, respect, sharing, sportsmanship, success,
sympathy, and thoughtfulness.
Meaning= meaning (philosophy), meaning (psychology), and relevance.
Use the online thesaurus to find additional examples of potential
subject headings. When doing the search, subject headings can be
combined. For example, a search could be done on <values and
careers>.
Books:
Use some of the same subject headings above in the Library Catalog.
How can I find Biographical/Critical Information about my Author
or a Literary Work?
Example: "Chopin's
The Story of an Hour"
One approach to this assignment is to find criticism on a particular
literary work and then find additional materials on a theme explored in
the work, such as enlightenment and freedom in Kate Chopin's "The Story
of an Hour. An effective database that provides biographical
information about
authors and information about literary works is MagillOnLiterature
Plus.
There are several reference books available that provide a brief
biographical overview to an author. Examples of sources are
listed below.
American Authors, 1600-1900: A Biographical Dictionary
Ref. PS 21.K8
British Authors Before 1800 Ref. PR 105.K9
British Authors of the Nineteenth Century Ref.
PR 451.K8 1936
*Dictionary of Literary Biography Ref. PN 451.D32
Twentieth Century Authors Ref. PN 771.K86
Additional reference books that contain biographies are available by
using the Biography
and Genealogy Master Index. Full-length
biographies on authors can be found by using the Library Catalog and
doing a subject search on the author's last name.
Journals may also contain biographical articles and articles about
specific works. Try using the following databases:
Academic
Search Premier,
The
Humanities Index,
M.L.A.
Bibliography.
Another search strategy would be to search for articles about a
particular story, such as Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour."
An effective search string would be <chopin and hour> in Academic
Search Premier. Another search could be done on
<chopin and (values or meaning or conduct)>.
How do I Acquire Materials not Available at NSU?
While using an index, there may be references to materials not
available at NSU. These can be acquired by using Interlibrary
Loan. This is accessed by using the ILLiad system.
How do I Locate Internet Sources?
Try the Internet Public Library,
the Librarians' Internet Index, or the Library's
Subject pages.
For a generic search engine, try Google.
Where can I Locate an M.L.A. Style Manual?
The M.L.A. Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is located
on the first floor at the call number, Ready Ref. LB 2369.G53 1999. Try
the Modern Language Association Web
page.
Are there any online tutorials that can help me?
General
Overview for English 1213 -- Reviews basics skills such as
the physical library, searching for books, and locating periodicals.
Research
Strategy -- Provides steps and concepts involving the
research process.
Evaluation
of Sources -- Provides criteria for evaluating the quality of
any resource.
Plagiarism
-- Description of plagiarism and suggestions about how to avoid it.
Citations
-- How to cite most common resources using MLA and APA
How do I find these Library Resources through the Web?
Many of the resources listed above are available through the John Vaughan Library Home Page.
Through the use of EZProxy software, these resources may be used from
any location.
|
