Writing The Research Paper A Handbook (7th ed) - Ch 3 layout of the library

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Layout of the Library

Layout of the Library

• Libraries have changed – main difference is computers

• Pre-Computer: used Card catalogues: 3” X 5”

• Modern libraries have computers, internet, photocopy machines, etc.

• Etiquette is the same: • Whisper instead of talk• Return books on time

The Computer

• Astounding improvement in efficiency and accessibility, cost has decreased dramatically

• Most universities/colleges have remote access• Can access entire library remotely

• (PAC) Public-Access Catalogue• (OPAC) Online Public-Access Catalogue• Can request interlibrary loans (takes several days)• Now, next generation search catalogues – available

online (example Text pg. 22-23)

Online Full-Text Databases

• Useful databases offer full text of an article or book, rather than directing to library

• Different libraries subscribe to different databases• Examples of most popular databases:

(George Washington University)• ArticlesPlus ProQuest (All databases)

• ProQuest Research Library Academic Search Complete

• JSTOR WorldCat

• LexisNexis Academic Web of Science

• ABI/Inform PsycINFO

• Project Muse

Online Full-Text Databases

• Other databases found in libraries (Text pg. 24)• Oxford English Dictionary Encyclopedia Britannica

• American National Biography The Grove Dictionary of Art Online

• Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy

• Popular Full text databases:• Highwire Press (life sciences, social sciences, medicine)

• Merlot (Multimedia Educational Research)

• Project Gutenburg Electronic Public Library (books in public domain, meaning published before 1923)

Microform Indexes

• Was once popular system which stored Was once popular system which stored magazines and newspapers and microfichemagazines and newspapers and microfiche

• Use Microfilm readersUse Microfilm readers

• Generally now replaced by online sourcesGenerally now replaced by online sources

Stacks

• Stacks are the shelves where books and periodicals are stored in the library• Can be closed (need permission) or open

Reference Room or Shelf

• Encyclopedias, indexes consulted for info are stored in a reference room/shelf • Large unwieldy volumes – many available on CD-ROM /

DB

Main Desk

• Information center and as checkout counter for books• Library personnel are trained to help researcher find

material – can be invaluable assistance – just ask!

Reserve Desk

• Reserve books are kept at the reserve desk• Reserve books available only in library and only for

limited time (ex. 2 hours)• Professors often put essential books on reserve

Audiovisual/Media/Computer Room

• Non books materials: cassettes, tapes, CDs, etc. • Can watch/listen to materials

Newspaper Rack

• Libraries subscribe to major national/foreign newspapers • Displayed on newspapers racks• Other news sources online (Text pg. 27)

Carrels

• Small semi-enclosed desks for reading, researching• Required to be quiet, penalty for misuse

Organization of the Library Collections

• 2 Major Classification Systems:• Dewey Decimal System / Cutter-Sanborn• Library of Congress Classification System


Dewey Decimal System

Used more than any

other system

(Text pg. 28)


• Cutter-Sanborn Author Marks• Used in conjunction with Dewey Decimal System• Assigns number to author surname - published table• Uses first letter of surname, number, first letter of title

• (Text pg. 29-30)


• Library of Congress (www.loc.gov)

• Founded in 1880• Rapidly growing collection led to new system of

classification (now widely used by larger libraries)


• Library of Congress Classification System• Main branches of knowledge with 21 letters

• Library of Congress Subject Headings available in libraries


• Classification of Periodicals/Newspapers• Classified differently than books • Current issues usually shelved, older issues on

microfilm/computer/CD-ROM/Stacks


• Classification of non-books• Non-book materials: films, microfilms, recordings,

sheet music, slides, etc. (Text Pg. 32)• No hard-and-fast rule• Ask librarian