Finding sources using the uf libraries

Finding sources using the uf libraries

This video will show you the process of finding sources through the UF library system.1Scholarly/professional sourcesBooksTrade magazinesScholarly (peer reviewed) journalsGovernment-produced materialsOfficial organization or company websites (beware of commercialism though!)

First, the kinds of sources you want are scholarly and professional. These can be books, trade magazines, scholarly peer reviewed journals, government publications, and official websites of organizations or companies (but take care to recognize the biases of commercial websites).

These can be acquired physically or digitally.2Accessing sourcesGoing to the library (self-directed, help from librarians)Online through UF library websiteOnline through UF library engineering guideOnline through search engine

You can get lots of sources at the libraries around campus either by finding them yourself or getting help from a librarian. Dont be afraid to ask for help. Librarians love to help and their job isnt simply checking books in and out and re-shelving them, but HELPING patrons find useful materials.

You can access a lot of sources through the librarys website too.

The librarians have created specialty pages to help refine your searches. There is one for this class specifically and several for the different areas of engineering.

You can also find some sources through simple web searches, like through google, but be careful because you will likely get less credible sources this way.3Visiting the libraryMarston ScienceLibrary WestArts & ArchitectureSmathers

http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/liblocations.html

http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/msl/about/faculty.html

The most likely library you will be visiting is the Marston Science Library, but it is possible that you may also need Library West, the Arts & Architecture Library, or even Smathers. (Of course, other libraries on campus may interest you as well.)

Notice how many subject specialists are available for engineering. You visit this website to get a listing of all the librarians at Marston.4

http://www.uflib.ufl.edu

The main library website is uflib.ufl.edu. Each library also has its own website, but this is a good central place to start. While some of the News information and promotional materials may change, the top and left menus will most likely stay the same.

At the very top in very small print youll notice a link to mobile applications. The library is trying to make its services available through mobile technology, this link takes you the apps available.

At the top of the menu on the left are several buttons to help you. First is off-campus access. If you intend to search databases (which you will) and you are off campus, you MUST go through this portal first! Ill explain this more thoroughly on the next slide.

Under Finding Help you will see the myriad ways to get help from the librarians.

My Accounts allows you to view the status of your check-outs, sign in to RefWorks, and a number of other services available through the library to make your research run smoothly.

At the top of the main frame is the library catalog. This is where youll begin your basic searches. Ill give you more information about this in a moment.5Off-Campus Access

When you click off-campus access, you are taken to a portal in which you must log in using your gatorlink id and password. When you have done so successfully, the address bar will contain an addition to the librarys web address. If you dont see this, youre not logged in for database and specialty access.

You have access by using a computer connected to the campus system, by using the VPN, or by logging in here.6Finding Help

There are several ways to get help finding sources The easiest way if youre working online is to chat with a UF librarian. If there are none available (like if youre working late at night or early in the morning), you can e-mail a specialist or call and leave a voice mail message. There are even some tutorials for using the librarys website.7

Library CatalogUse the library catalog to look for: Books Journals (that the library carries) Newspapers (that the library carries) DVDs Government documents Microfilm/Microfiche (that the library carries) Reference works and many other print and media sources

Now back to the librarys main page and the library catalog. You will use the library catalog to look for:

But NOT articles in those journals, newspapers, etc.8Databases What is a database?A searchable collection of articles from peer-reviewed journals, business journals, newspapers, and magazines. The library pays for access to the databases. What is the purpose of a database?To index individual articles in groups of subject matter, although there are some general databases (like Academic Search Premier).Why do you have to use a database? Why cant you find journal ARTICLES in the regular library catalog?To find journal articles; because the catalog only shows what the library carries, not the contents within the items carried

What you will mostly be using are databases.

A database is

Its purpose is

So, why do you have to use a database? Why cant you find journal articles in the regular library catalog?...9

Databases

To access the databases, choose the database tab from the catalog menu. For general dbs, choose Project Starters.

Here you can access general databases such as ASP and Omnifile.

Another good database is the CQ researcher which offers packets of information about a certain topic instead of articles from journals and magazines.

There are also links to the news and newspaper databases.

Though not technically a public database, RefWorks is an online service to help you keep track of your sources and to produce your bibliography. This is excellent! I use it to keep track of my dissertation sources. Give it a try or check out one of the library workshops about it.10Special guides3254Engineering (all kinds)http://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/enc3254

To find out special sources (including subject-oriented dbs), the librarians have created specialist guides. This one is specifically for 3254. Librarian Margeaux Johnson created this site with students of this class in mind.

This tab helps you find books related to engineering.

This tab directs you to journals and databases relevant to engineering.

Youll also notice that it has a tab for patents and standards, websites, and a guide for citing sources.

11Special guides3254Engineering (all kinds)http://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/

and lots more

There are many other special guides. These are just a few.12Make sure your sources:

are relevant.are credible.are professional.Dont be afraid to ask librarians for help!

Finally, when choosing sources, make sure they are relevant, credible, and professional.

And dont be afraid to ask librarians for help!13