Research

Research

Gale Force Databases

Gale Force Databases

Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Research
The library has added two great new resources!  Our list of databases now includes Nineteenth Century British Library Newspapers and National Geographic Magazine Digital Archive, both from Gale.  Chances are you’re already familiar with a lot of great Gale databases.  From the major ones, Opposing Viewpoints and Biography in Context, to other mainstays like the Gale Virtual Reference Library, Health and Wellness Resource Center, and Literature Resource Center; their streamlined, easy-to-use interfaces offer articles, multimedia, and more on a host of topics. The first new database, Nineteenth Century British Library Newspapers, is a great source for history topics, including popular subjects like Jack the Ripper, the Irish Potato Famine, or the Great Exhibition or 1851.  It includes over 15 million … Continued
Take a Picture: Reference Question of the Week

Take a Picture: Reference Question of the Week

Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Research
An interesting reference question that’s popped up a few times this week concerns finding information about old artists and photographers.   The best source to start with is Biography in Context.  Type in the name of your artist – you’ll find biographies and articles.  Let’s say we’re interested in Augustus Washington, who was active in the 1840s and 1850s.  You’ll get a results set like this:  The first is an extensive biography for him, and the second is a newspaper article about his work.  If you need more, JSTOR is also a good source for older articles.   But what about high resolution images of their photographs or artwork?  You might have some luck with ImageQuest, which includes images from Encyclopedia Britannica … Continued
Last Minute Research

Last Minute Research

, Library Services, Matt Dilworth, Research
This time of year, with everything we have to do, a lot seems to get pushed to the last minute.  Last minute shopping, last minute decorating, last minute cooking, last minute cleaning… and last minute research.  We’ve all been there.  A big assignment, and it’s coming due… but we haven’t had time to do the research yet. It isn’t an ideal situation.  And just like last minute shoppers have to deal with picked-over stores, your options will be a bit more limited.  But fear not – you can still do great research and turn in a great project. Obviously, if your assignment is due tomorrow, using Interlibrary Loan won’t help.  So you’re limited to resources available right now.  But there’s … Continued
Healthy Searching

Healthy Searching

, Heidi Huff, Research 0 Comments
In case you didn’t notice, it SNOWED last week!  This also means we’re entering cold and flu season; and it means you’re likely going to be “Google-ing” your symptoms.  Don’t try to deny it! I recently took an online course from the Reference & User Services Association (RUSA) on Health Information Literacy; which means understanding where to find good health information and how to evaluate it once you’ve located it.  In addition to the excellent health related databases mentioned in last week’s blog, if you decide to search the web for information here are a few RUSA recommends: HealthfinderDeveloped by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Healthfinder links to carefully selected information and Web sites from over 1,500 … Continued
Historical Research Resources: real-time and real perspectives

Historical Research Resources: real-time and real perspectives

, , Frances Yates, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Research
Suppose someone living in the year 2025, or even 2225, wants reliable information about what happened in 2011? Where would be the best place to get information (assuming by then all our brains aren’t pre-wired at birth to the Internet or whatever comes Next)? There are unique considerations when doing historical research, for whatever type of questions you seek to answer.  One facet of historical research is the need for primary sources – that is, things written and said by the people actually involved with those events.  Having access to primary documentation is of vital important to historical study.  Newspapers are also of great value, providing contemporary perspectives that can be critical to understanding the perceptions about events and people … Continued