To locate book materials, which will mostly be secondary sources, in the Mardigian Library Catalog start at the Mardigian Library Homepage. Then locate the following link:
Conduct your desired searches.
Evaluate the material with some of the criteria below. Browse your selections. The best way to actually determine if an item is useable is to locate it from the shelves so as to thumb through the item. Also, while there you can browse the shelves around the item possibly finding related material.
You can also extend your search to MeLCat on any search return page by linking to MeLCat
MeLCat is a statewide network of libraries that you can utilize. The process for borrowing is outlined when you link into MeLCat and the best thing about this is the item is shipped to the Mardigian Library. So, many more materials are available to you than just the materials in the Mardigian Library collection.
To view this tutorial in the best resolution it is recommended that you view it in a full screen option. To do so once the video begins just click on the screen icon at the far right of the control panel at the bottom of the video. To return to the small version and the LibGuide just remember to click on Esc on your keyboard.
Summon is the libraries' discovery tool for finding everything that is in the collection but this tutorial will explain how to search for just books that the library has on whatever topics that are being searched for.
The new tutorial is forthcoming...
The criteria for evaluating book materials is not drastically different than evaluating article materials so much of that criteria is revisitied here:
1. The material should be from a credible or known or trusted publisher.
2. The material should be authored by professionals, experts, and credentialed individuals. Does the author work in the trade? Does the author teach in the discipline? Does the author hold a Ph.D.?
3. The material should be researched and verifiable. Does the material show evidence of research and include a bibliography of the author's research? If there is no depth of research can the material be checked for accuracy? Does the author point to anything that can be checked?
4. The material should be current. Material considered to be current is less than five years old unless you are looking for things for an historical perspective.
5. The material needs to be readable. The language within the material cannot be jargony.
Many of the same tips for locating materials in databases can be used whence trying to locate materials in the Mardigian Library Catalog:
1. Think positive,
2. Simplify terminology,
3. Understand the type of search
you are conducting, i.e, is the search a keyword or subject search as this does
matter,
4. Browse return list to pinpoint
key terminology and then incorporate that into new searches,
5. Try multiple search tools,
6. Never give up,
7. When in doubt consult a Reference Librarian
