Northeastern State University Libraries

Introduction to NSU Libraries

Why 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

Career Exploration:

 

Identify your interests and possible careers	1. Take the Myers-Briggs to determine your personality type.  2. Find your Suggested Careers for Myers Briggs Type and select careers from the list. 3. Go to the Occupational Information Network to find specific jobs for a career.
Check what majors tie in with specific careers Check what universities have specific majors	College Majors and Careers Ref. HF 5382.5.U5P445 Great Jobs for English Majors Ref. HF 5382.7.D43 Health Care Careers Directory Ref. R847.A1 D57 College Blue Book:  Degrees Offered by College and Subject Ref. LA 226.C685 Vol.3 Index of Majors and Graduate Degrees Ref. L 901.C744
Explore the careers	Encyclopedia of Careers Ref. HF5381 .E52 JobStar Central Occupational Outlook Handbook Library Catalog (Nursing books are in Muskogee)
Look for articles about careers and read professional journals in the field.	Academic Search Premier (general journal index) Masterfile Premier (magazines) NewsBank Newsfile (Oklahoma newspapers) Library of Congress Articles and Databases
Check books and Web sites for cover letter & resume guidance	Library Catalog JobStar Central's Resume & Cover Letter Page
Check job availability	USA Jobs Monster.com Oklahoma Job Link Workforce Oklahoma Job Seekers
Explore locations	ACCRA Cost of Living Index Ref. HB 235 .U6C58 Places Rated Almanac Ref. HN 60.S284 Sperling's Best Places

 

 

General research concepts

Keyword vs. controlled vocabulary, boolean logic
Research Strategies Tutorial              

 Locating Internet resources

Internet Search Engines Available

Some (hopefully) reliable approaches to finding good Web sources:

The Internet Public Library
JVL NSU Subject Listing of Web Resources
     

Assess the quality of the Web sites listed below:
Feline Reactions to Bearded Men
 

  Critically assessing sources

1. Identify authors who are outstanding in their fields, determine the credentials of the author. Does the author have a degree in the field, is the author a professor?
2. Date of publication--is it recent? On Web pages, do the links work?
3. Does the publisher have a good reputation? Is it published by a professional association or university press? Is the journal refereed? On Web pages, check the domain (.edu is educational, .gov is government, .com is commercial, .net is network, .org is organizational)
4. How was the resource received by the critics?
5. Completeness of the material. Does the source have an index, bibliography?
6. Is the language slanted or biased?
7. Does it include well known facts or research studies? Is the information complete, accurate, objective?
8. What is the purpose of the resource?  Is it for the general public, children, scholars? Is the goal to market persuade, educate?

 Am I done yet?

Have you tried, books, magazines, journals, newspapers, government publications, Internet sources, interviews, audio visuals? If not, you aren't done! Remember, research is empowering.
 

             How do I cite sources using M.L.A. style?

The M.L.A. Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is located on the first floor at the call number, Ref. LB 2369.G53.  Also, try the MLA and Purdue OWL Web sites. For help in citing sources, try KnightCite Bibliography Machine.

             How do I acquire materials not available at NSU?

Interlibrary loan is available free of charge in which books and copies of articles can be borrowed from other libraries.  Allow approximately two weeks for interlibrary loan requests to be received.

 

How do I find these library resources through the Web?

Many of the resources listed above are available throug the John Vaughan Library Home Page. Through the use of EZProxy software, these resources may be used from any location.

 

 

How do I get help?

The reference librarians are here to help you.  Feel free to contact us directly or go to the Reserve Desk and ask for us to be called.

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