Start with Library Resources:

When starting the research process, it is a good idea to start with library resources. Why?

 

  • Library resources go through a review process.

Librarians select books, magazines, journals, databases, and websites. The library collects sources considered reliable, historically relevant, and valuable.

 

  • Library resources are free or discounted for client use.

Libraries are able to purchase one or more copies which can be shared by many people. Publishers of books, magazines, journals and newspapers are running a business and can't afford to give all of their content away for free. Libraries pay these fees and then provide access to their users at no cost. Many magazines have their own websites with selections from their latest issues, and sometimes they provide a few articles for free, but will frequently charge an individual for full access to all of their articles or to view a specific article. Libraries pay for online subscriptions to these articles through their article databases and so the library pays the fees and their users are then able to access those articles at no cost to themselves.

 

  • Library resources are organized.

Items are organized so you can find all the sources on a topic. For example, when you search for a book in the library catalog you will get a call number. The books shelved near the same call number will cover a similar topic.

 

  • Library resources include historic documents.

A primary function of a library is to be an organized storehouse of information published throughout time. As well as finding very current information, you can also find books that are no longer published and older issues of magazines.

 

  • Library resources come with personal assistance.

Libraries have staff who are trained to help you. They'll help you to find books,  learn to use online resources, evaluate and cite sources and answer any questions that you have.

 

  • Libraries have large collections on a variety of topics.

The key idea when using the library is that you are getting quality over quantity. Print or electronic library resources are the best sources to use when starting your research. You can efficiently find high quality information from a variety of credible resources in the library.