
First of I want to thank everyone for their support in this new venture. I am excited for the opportunity and hope that everyone supports their local library.
Ever need an article from a newspaper or magazine? Your son/daughter need information for a research product? Or you would like to print out an obituary? Your local librarian can help you out. There are many resources that your library may have access to, both in print and electronic format.
Every library has a different budget but most all should have access to online databases. For example here in Texas, libraries who are a part of Texas Library System, have access to something called TexShare. One of the many services that they offer is access to online databases. From general information and periodicals, to health and medical, or homework and education, there are online databases specializing in different the various fields making it easier and faster to find the information you need. For example, Academic Search Complete provided by EBSCOhost, one of my favorite databases, is a one of the most comprehensive and scholarly full-text database. This is an excellent resource for high school and college students who need peer-reviewed or scholarly journals. Once you find what you’re looking for you can either print it or save a copy. On a side note, for students who are going to use the article, a simple click of the mouse will you give the full citation in several major style and writing guides. When working on a major research paper, this tool is very handy. Just make sure to look over it and make sure everything is correct. So if you need an electronic resource, ask your librarian what they have access to.
Print resources are almanacs, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. Some of the more specialized print resources are law, medical, and repair guides are some of the more popular books requested. How to Do Your Own Divorce is a book that was heavily requested at one of the libraries I worked at so we always had it handy on the reference desk!
A word of advice: please make sure that you do not wait until something is due and expect the library to have it available. I can’t tell you how many people wait until the day before an assignment is due, and then ask for assistance. Some searches take longer than others so we may not be able to give you what you need that same day.
Ever wonder why some librarians ask you lots of questions when you ask for help? Stay tuned for the next installment and I’ll explain why a good reference librarian always performs a reference interview.
Don’t forget to submit any questions you may have. I will be answering the question what makes a good dictionary for my next post.
“Librarians don’t look like librarians all the time.”
Pamela Rush
(“Checking Out At the Library“)



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