Getting Started | Finding Books | Finding Articles
Getting Started
How should I begin doing library research?
There is no one correct way to do research. Everyone is going to have his or her own methods and strategies. However, most people start out with a vague idea, gather a lot of sources and wade through them, trying to figure out exactly what topic appeals most. Once they have narrowed down to something more specific, they start again, using new terminology to find more sources, wade through them, narrowing down what's useful and what's not. And so on, until they decide on certain resources that they then read in-depth. Resources are found through a variety of methods: indexes, references from books or articles, serendipity, whatever rises to the top of the search results, etc.
Considering how the materials are arranged in the library, here are some suggestions as to a framework for doing research.
- Pick a topic that you actually are interested in, because then the research might actually turn out to be interesting and fun. Brainstorm keywords to describe your topic. Consider any qualifiers: time period, geography, limitations on types of sources, etc.
- Background Information? If you do not have any general or background information on your topic, find some useful encyclopedia entries. Reading an overview of your issue might help to narrow or broaden your focus, and to come up with terminology. They will sometimes have a short list of suggested readings as well. (This can be useful when there are lots of books on a topic, and you need a recommendation on which books are definitely worthwhile.)
- Type of Source? Consider the kind of sources you want. In general, books tend to be more overviews of a subject, while articles tend to be focused on a more particular issue within a subject. Consider whether you need scholarly or mainstream news sources. Consider the timeliness of various sources. You are not going to find books or encyclopedia entries about an event that took place last month. If you do not know what kind of sources you want, then realize what the limitations are for each database, index, encyclopedia, etc. that you use to find information.
- Keep Track. Write down your search strategy, what databases you used, what keywords you used, etc. When you find an interesting citation, note the words used in it, especially the subject headings (if there are any). Think of as many synonyms for your keywords as possible. What words could someone use to describe your topic? When you do find relevant books or articles, note the sources used by that author. You may start seeing a pattern, where a particular author or book is frequently cited.
For more detailed information, see Getting Started: Types of Information Sources.
Finding Books
How do I find books?
Go to PrairieCat, the Library Book Catalog. You may search by title, author, subject headings, or you may perform a keyword search.
Does the library have any eBooks?
Yes! With the database NetLibrary you have access to thousands of recent titles in business, computer science, health, and general reference. NetLibrary also offers access to over 3,500 classic public domain books. You may read the books online, but to read them offline, you must check out the book and use netLibrary's ebook reader (PC only), available for downloading.
Where do I check out books?
Check out books at the Circulation Desk, located on Level 2 of the library, next to the entrance. You will need to present your I-Card student identification.
- For undergraduates, books circulate for 4 weeks, and you may renew them up to 3 times.
- For graduate students, books circulate for 16 weeks, and you may renew them up to 3 times.
You may renew the books yourself within PrairieCat. Or you may contact the Circulation Department at 217-206-6605 or e-mail lib-circ@uis.edu.
How can I get a book that UIS does not own?
Interlibrary Loan is a library service provided for this purpose. Please follow the steps outlined below:
- Search PrairieCat to see if the book is available at UIS. If not, select the I-Share Catalog button on the top of the screen. If you find the book available at another library, click on the Request button on the top of the screen. You must first login to the system. Choose Univ. of Illinois-Springfield as your Home Library, type in your Library Borrower ID number (the number beginning with 21412 on your I-Card student identification) and your last name, then click the Login button. Just click the OK button on the next screen. Then the request form will appear. You must type in your Library ID Number again. You may choose which library you wish to send the requested book.
- If the book is not found in the I-Share catalog, switch to WorldCat (a FirstSearch database) and run a search. Select desired item. Click on the ILL button at the top of the screen and fill out the form presented. (You will need the NetID and password to access FirstSearch databases.)
In either case, books will take from 1 to 3 weeks to reach the library.
Can I search for books from home?
Yes! There are no restrictions on accessing PrairieCat. All you need is a connection to the Internet.
Finding Articles
How do I find articles?
The library offers access to over 90 databases from our website. Please see Find Articles to see the databases arranged by subject.
For detailed help in formulating search queries in databases, see Search Strategies for Article Databases.
Can I search for articles from home?
Yes! Virtually all of our databases may be accessed from off-campus computers with connections to the Internet, using your NetID and password. All current students, faculty and staff are given a UIS NetID, which is your login to access your UIS e-mail account, getting into Blackboard, and your Enterprise ID for registering for classes, as well as an authentication method for accessing the library's databases. Please see Off-Campus Access to Information for further details.
How do I know if the library subscribes to a particular periodical (journal, magazine, or newspaper)?
Go to the Journals @ UIS to see if your periodical is
- available full text, or
- owned in print or microfilm by us -- note the call number!
Type in the name of the journal, magazine or newspaper and click the GO button.
The Journals @ UIS will list those databases that offer full text access of the particular journal, noted by a date range.
The UIS periodical holdings are included as well. It will say "Print/microforms holdings " and give you the date ranApril 3, 2007EndDate -->ldings spiral-bound books scattered around the library, or the book catalog PrairieCat.
How do I get an article if UIS doesn't have the periodical?
If the periodical is not here, either in full text or hardcopy, then you may request it via Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Fill out the ILL form online, and the article will be mailed to the address indicated. You will be asked for your I-Card number, the one that begins with 21412. Please allow 1-3 weeks for delivery. For more information about Interlibrary Loan, see ILL FAQ.
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