Finding Resources for Theology Research Paper
TH 2301 (Fall 2007), Louis J. Blume Library, http://library.stmarytx.edu/acadlib/
Diane Duesterhoeft, , 210/436-3346; Reference Desk: 210/436-3508
Objectives: By the end of this session, you should:
· Become more familiar with some of the library’s resources and the type of information they provide
· Find at least 3 library resources that you can use in your research paper
· Feel comfortable asking a reference librarian for assistance with your research process
Your Name:
Part 1. Defining Your Question
1. Which topic are you researching?
2. What are some keywords, and related terms, you might use to search for this topic?
3. Which Bible text is related to this topic? (see your course handout)
Research Hints:
· Talk to the librarians. Don’t be afraid. Ask questions. That’s why we’re here.
· Pay attention to which databases you are searching and how you are searching, e.g., which keywords, which fields you’re searching, etc. This information will be helpful if you need to find additional information, or find a particular source again. When you talk to the librarians, it’s helpful if you can tell them which resources you searched and how you searched.
The following resources are available through the library web site at
http://library.stmarytx.edu/acadlib/
Type of Information / Tools to Find Information / Examples of ToolsBrief background information / Reference sources / theological encyclopedias; Gale Virtual Reference Library
Background, in-depth: books / Library catalog / library online catalog
Current, specific: magazine & scholarly journal articles / Subscription databases / Religion & Philosophy Collection, Academic Search Complete, Catholic Periodical & Literature Index
Information Seeking Process
· Think about your question or topic.
o Break it into key concepts and identify terms for each concept. Start with fewer words when searching subscription databases. Less yields more.
o Use Boolean connectors like and, or, and not to connect keywords. Many databases search the words as a phrase otherwise.
o Truncation characters such as an * (asterisk) can expand your search by retrieving various forms of a word, e.g., comput* retrieves computer, computers, computing, computation, etc.
o Think about which events, individuals or groups of people are associated with your topic. These might be additional terms to search.
o Consider what type of information you need and where you might find it.
Part 2. Locating background information
Brief background information can be found in printed reference sources on the Main (2nd) Floor of the library. See page 3 of your course handout for reference book titles. If you need assistance locating these books, just ask a librarian!
The New Catholic Encyclopedia (2nd edition) is available online through the Gale Virtual Reference Library.
From the library home page http://library.stmarytx.edu/acadlib/ (on your laptop, be sure to Bookmark or add this site to your Favorites), click on Gale Virtual Reference Library (2nd column).
Type one or two keywords related to your topic in the search box and Search. Try to select an entry from the New Catholic Encyclopedia that pertains to your topic.
4. Which entry did you select? Copy and paste the source citation (at the bottom of the entry) here (you do not need to include the web address):
5. Why did you select this entry?
If this entry looks useful to you, email it to yourself using the email icon in the database.
Part 3. Locating Books on Your Topic
§ At the library home page (http://library.stmarytx.edu/acadlib/ if you’re outside the library), click on the Library Online Catalog link (2nd column, top link).
§ At the library catalog search screen, search by Keyword (or Advanced Boolean). This works best for a very specific topic. If you have several terms, connect them with and. If you know the subject heading, or have a very broad topic, try search by Subject. See the previous page for additional search tips.)
§ Note: if you are searching for analysis or a commentary about a specific Bible text, try searching by Subject using the following format:
Bible n. t. matthew
Look for subject headings followed by commentaries or criticism, interpretation, etc.
§ In the search box type your topic keyword(s).
6. Which term(s) or search statement did you enter?
7. Did you find any books on your topic? ______If you did not find any, consult with the librarian.
8. Choose one of the subject headings listed on the screen. Write the complete subject heading.
9. How many items in the catalog have that exact subject heading?
10. After selecting a subject heading, click on one of the item titles. Type or write the citation information for one of the books:
Author(s) or Editor(s)
Book Title
Place of Publication
Publisher
Year
Floor and Complete Call Number, or note if the item is an online book (there will be a URL at the top of the item record).
Part 4. Locating Journal Articles using a Periodical or Subscription (Aggregator) Database
Note: A periodical is a magazine, newspaper or journal. You will be searching for articles from these sources in this portion of the exercise.
Ø From the library home page, click on Databases Listed Alphabetically. Click on Religion and Philosophy Collection (indexes and includes more than 300 full-text journals and magazines).
§ Look at search tips on page 1 of this handout.
§ Click in the box next to “Find:” and type your search statement and click on Search.
11. What search statement did you type?
12. How many Results are there? ______Results are the number of journal, magazine or newspaper records in this database that have the keyword(s) you entered in the citation or abstract.
13. Select a substantial item (generally more than one page) that looks relevant to your topic. Avoid book reviews. (Book reviews or critiques are helpful for identifying books, but are not substantial sources for including in your research paper). Write the citation information for the journal article selected:
Author(s)
Article Title
Source (periodical)
Volume and issue number (not ISSN)
Date
Page article begins on
Number of pages
Look at the Format line near the top or bottom of the full citation screen. Look for the icons and text for the following after the “Citation” icon:
14. Is HTML Full Text included?
15. Is PDF Full Text included?
16. Is there Linked Full Text?
17. Return to the citations list. Is there a link below the citation for this item that reads Check the St. Mary’s University library catalog for holdings, indicating that the library might have this article in print?
18. What information does this article present that would be helpful in writing your paper on your selected topic?
19. Select another substantial article (not a book review and more than one page). Write the citation information for the journal article selected:
Author(s)
Article Title
Source (periodical)
Volume and issue number (not ISSN)
Date Page article begins on
Look at the Format line near the top or bottom of the full citation screen. Look for the icons and text for the following after the “Citation” icon:
20. Is HTML Full Text included?
21. Is PDF Full Text included?
22. Is there Linked Full Text?
23. Return to the citations list. Is there a link below the citation for this item that reads Check the St. Mary’s University library catalog for holdings, indicating that the library might have this article in print?
24. What information does this article present that would be helpful in writing your paper on your selected topic?
25. Identify one new thing you learned from today’s session or what was most helpful about today’s session?
26. What was not covered that you wish had been covered?
Save this exercise to your laptop, or to a memory device and email it as an attachment to
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