Northeastern State University Libraries

General Library Information

Maps
John Vaughan Library Physical Overview
Hours
Library of Congress Classification system.
The Research Strategies CLIP tutorial can provide an overview to getting started in researching a topic.
Web page on library research for English majors

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.  For instance, in ERIC, writing centers are called writing laboratories. 

Journals

"The Effect of Grammar Teaching on Writing Development"
"Promoting Young Adult Literature"
"Teaching English:  Portfolio Evaluation"

English Education (Per. LA 632.E52), English Journal (Per. PE 1.E5), Language Arts (Per. LB 1576.A1E6), Research in the Teaching of English (Per. PE 1065.R373

ERIC  (Subject headings include writing instruction, writing strategies, English instruction, English curriculum)
   Try writing evaluation and english instruction and secondary instruction
Education Full Text
Humanities Full Text
Literature Resource Center
MagillOnLiterature Plus
MLA Bibliography

Textbooks

The "P" section of the Curriculum Materials area, located in the southwest corner (room L221) of the second floor, has Oklahoma state adopted textbooks in the field of English.  The teacher's manuals frequently have suggestions for lesson plans.  These materials may be checked out.

Reference books

A Handbook to Literature Ready Ref. PN 41.H355
Shakespeare for Students Ref. PR 2987.S47 1992
Calendar of Literary Facts Ref. PN 6075.R64 1991
MLA Handbook Ready Ref. LB 2369.G53

Methods books

The methods books are located on the third floor of the library.  They include sources on literary works as well as suggestions on how to teach English in secondary education.  Sample useful subject headings include:
american literature--study and teaching (secondary)
english literature--study and teaching
english language--composition and exercises--study and teaching
Try an advanced search on
National Council of Teachers of English

More Ways to Handle the Paper Load:  On Paper and Online LB 1631.M597 2005 

Internet Resources

Of course, there are many resources available through the Web. The librarian for the department has created the English page which lists some useful Web sites. The Eserver is a very good English Web site. The library provides a list of search engines. (Try the library's Google: When and How To Use It and Google Tips and Tricks tutorials.) Search the following Web pages for interesting resources:  The Internet Public Library and Librarians' Index to the Internet.

Encyclo-Media
Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators
Language Arts Education (Oklahoma Department of Education)
MarcoPolo
NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English)
Read Think Write
Web English Teacher (K-12)

Interlibrary Loan

If the John Vaughan Library doesn't own what you need, we will get it for you through Interlibrary Loan.  It can take up to two weeks to receive materials.  The Interlibrary Loan system is called ILLiad, and all requests are conducted electronically.

Evaluating Sources

With all resources, it is important to assess the quality of what you find.  Use the following checklist to assist with that determination:

1. Identify the author(s) and determine his/her credentials.  Does the author have a degree in the field; is the author a professor; does the author have other works published on similar topics?
2. What is the date of the publication?  Currency is important in most fields.  It is especially important for Web pages.
3. Does the publisher have a good reputation?  Is the resource published by a professional association or university press?  Is the journal refereed? For Web sites, check the URL to determine the sponsor.  Gov sites are government sites; com are commercial; edu are educational.
4. How do the critics perceive the work?  Are there reviews available?
5. Is the material complete?  Does it have an index, bibliography. Is it well written with few grammatical or spelling errors?
6. Is the language slanted or biased?
7. Does it include references to well known facts or research studies?
8. For Web pages, do the links work? 

Citing Sources

To avoid plagiarism, it is important to cite materials correctly. Indiana University has a good guide on plagiarism. To cite the resources that you've found, check the Citation tutorial. The M.L.A. Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is located on the first floor of the library, Ready Ref. LB 2369.G53.  Also, try the MLA Web site. For help in citing sources, try KnightCite Bibliography Machine.

Professional Associations

International Reading Association
International Writing Centers Association
Linguistic Society of America
MLA (Modern Language Association)
NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English)

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