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Research Skills Tutorial
Module 3: Libraries, Resources, and Services
Introduction
In Module 1, we introduced the research process. A very important step in this process is to obtain information on your topic. But where are you going to find this information?
The answer to this question used to be only in the library. With the advent of the Internet, however, information can now also be found using a desktop computer.
Even though lots of information can be found on the Internet, the library is still an important part of the research process, and this module discusses what resources are available from the Internet and what resources are available in a library.
| Type of Resource | Internet | Library |
| Encyclopedias | Infoplease Encyclopedia | General and specialized encyclopedias |
| Dictionaries | Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary© 2000 Online | General and specialized dictionaries |
| Books | Search library on-line catalogs, including the Library of Congress Online Catalog | Visit a library to use materials that do not circulate, or to check out books. |
| Journal Articles | Some journals make some articles available online for free. The Internet Public Library lists magazines and journals online. | Libraries offer access to periodical indexes which list articles from magazines and journals. |
Types of Libraries
Various types of libraries can be used to obtain information to support your course requirements. Each type of library serves a particular audience and houses different types of information resources.
- Academic libraries usually provide research-level resources that support the curriculum of a particular college or university. Most academic libraries allow the public to use library materials in-house, but limit borrowing privileges to their students, faculty, and staff. If you are located near an academic institution, you may want to inquire about services that may be available to you.
- Public libraries can provide basic information and resources to get you started on your research. As a resident of the county or surrounding area, you can obtain a library card to borrow books. Remember that public libraries resources are limited and more general in nature than the offerings at academic libraries.
- Special libraries serve a particular company, profession, or government agency. They contain specialized information that reflects the needs of that organization or profession. Some special libraries allow limited public access--usually by appointment. You may find that your own company or organization has a library or information center with source materials of interest to you.
Finding Libraries
Guides to Libraries in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., including Aberdeen, Annapolis, Rockville, and Southern Maryland, as well as law libraries, are available on the UMUC Library Services Web site.
If you live in Maryland, you can visit the Web site for SAILOR, Maryland's Online Public Information Network, for information on local public and academic libraries.
You can also contact the public library near you and ask about other local libraries and information resources.
- University System of Maryland Libraries - UMUC is one of 11 degree-granting institutions in the University System of Maryland (USM). You can use a UMUC ID card with barcode to borrow books directly from all USM libraries.
- McKeldin Library
- The Theodore R. McKeldin Library is the main library on the College Park campus. It is also the location of the UMUC reference office (Room 6259).
- Shady Grove Library/Media Center - The Shady Grove Library/Media Center is located at the USM Shady Grove site in Rockville, Maryland.
Resources
As a UMUC student, you have access to many electronic resources at USM libraries, at UMUC teaching sites, and from home or work by dialing in directly or using an Internet connection.
- UMUC Library Services Web Page - This site provides information on the services available to UMUC students, as well as links to major sites on the Internet for doing research.
- USM Library Catalog - Provides access to the library holdings of the University System of Maryland. The USM library catalog and its many resources is explained more fully in Module #5.
- Proprietary Web Databases - Information and Library services provides access to a variety of databases on the Web to current UMUC students, staff, and faculty. These databases include full text newspapers and journal articles as well as journal indexes covering a wide range of subject areas. All of these Web databases can be accessed through the Library Services Web page.
- Other Databases - Additional databases may be available at the various libraries in the University System of Maryland. These databases can be searched only by visiting these libraries.
Services
Reference Services
The UMUC reference staff is available in person or via telephone, chat, or e-mail to assist you with your research needs. Connect to the Ask a Librarian portion of the Library Services Web page to see a list of locations and ways to contact the staff. Use your browser's back arrow to return to this page.
You can Chat with a Librarian or E-Mail a Librarian.
Below are some of the ways the UMUC reference staff can assist you:
- Recommend resources to use to find information on specific topics.
- Help with narrowing down or broadening research paper topics.
- Provide search tips for databases and Internet.
- Help with accessing databases from home or work.