Navigating UMUC's Virtual Library
(Text-Only Version)

Librarian:

Welcome to “Navigating UMUC’s Virtual Library.”

Student Voices:

1. I’m a UMUC student from Maryland.
2. Georgia.
3. Kosovo.
4. Japan.

Student:

I’m new to UMUC. How do I use the library online?

Librarian:

The library Web page is your gateway to all the resources of a traditional library and more. You can also reach the Web page directly when you are in WebTycho or from the UMUC main Web page.

Student:

I’m taking a management course and my professor says I can’t use Google for the assignment. I need to find some articles and books on the benefits of telecommuting.

Librarian:

The best place to start is the Articles & More page where you can access more than 140 databases. Most of them provide full text articles.

Student:

How will I know which one to choose?

Librarian:

When you don’t know which database to use, you should begin with the Search by Subject section. Click on a subject related to your research topic to find suggested databases, e-books, Web pages, and print reference books.

For example, since you want to research telecommuting, you’d click on Management and then on one of the suggested databases.

Let’s start with Business Source Premier, considered one of the best for general management topics.

Enter your last name and your library barcode or EMPL ID number, both which can be found on your UMUC ID card, or your social security number to login to the database.

Student:

OK, now that I’m logged in, how do I search?

Librarian:

It’s as simple as entering your search terms in the search box and clicking on search.

A list of articles will appear. Most of them will be full text. If they’re not full text, click on the find it button. In many cases you’ll be linked to the full text article. In order to access the article, click on the database you want to use.

When the full text article isn’t available in UMUC’s collection usually you can obtain the full article quickly by clicking on Request a Document via Document Express. Library staff will find the article and send it to you electronically. You can also access DocumentExpress in the Get it Delivered section of the library Web page.

Student:

Thanks. My professor suggested an article to me in the journal called Work Study, but I didn’t see it in the list.

Librarian:

To find journals, Journal Finder on the Articles & More page is the tool to use. Enter the journal title and click on find it. You’ll retrieve a link to the database that includes that journal.

Student:

Great! But I’d like to find some books on the topic too.

Librarian:

You can access thousands of e-books and millions of print books from the library Web page. Instructions for using e-books are on the library Web page under E-Books.

The ILS collection of e-books includes a number of netLibrary titles. Follow the directions to find and read a complete book online.

Student:

What about print books?

Librarian:

Click on Books and Media to search for a subject or title from among the 10 million print works in the libraries of the University System of Maryland and affiliated institutions.

If you live in the continental United States, click on the Help button next to Books & Media to find out how to request and check out books. You can also renew them online.

If you live outside the continental United States, click on the link to UMUC Libraries and More for more information about locating books.

Student:

That’s terrific! What other resources can I access?

Librarian:

The ILS Web page is also home to instructional materials that help you navigate through all the steps of the research process and use library resources effectively and efficiently. To access these materials, click on Learn How to...

Work through the library tutorials on finding articles, general research, business and legal research, and APA and MLA citation styles to help you become a more successful researcher.

Student:

Thanks. So I get all the resources and services of a physical library but it’s online and convenient. Just one more question: I’m sure I’ll need help again. How do I get it next time?

Librarian:

Just click on “Ask a Librarian” to access help when and where you need it. We’re ready to assist you 24 hours a day through e-mail, phone, and chat.

Through chat, librarians can browse a database with you and help you find the resources you need.

If you live close to Adelphi, Maryland, you can also make an appointment for customized research help from a librarian.

Student:

OK! I’m ready to get started. Any last tips for me?

Librarian:

You’ll find a summary of resources and services in the library brochure.

You may also want to bookmark the Information and Library Services Web page for quick and easy access.

Thank you for watching this presentation. Visit us often for all your information needs.

Top