Source Finder

The SourceFinder Help Page


Frequently Asked Questions:

What is "SourceFinder?"

SourceFinder is an online resource that allows users to quickly and easily generate a "Source List" of important study materials.  Sources compiled when the user runs the SourceFinder may range from databases, to Web pages, to printed reference works, depending on the options the user selects.

How do I use "SourceFinder?"

It's simple. Just follow these steps:
1. Select a "Subject."
2. Select the type of "Source" you want or select "All Sources."
3. Select any options to "Limit Sources" if you want to limit your findings.
4. Click on "Search"
5. Your customized research list will be automatically generated!

What does the "List of Databases" link do?

The List of Databases link provides an up-to-date listing of all online subscription databases held by Preston Library.  It is organized alphabetically and includes descriptions of the databases VMI students, staff and faculty have access to.    

Note: Because these are expensive subscription databases (as opposed to free Internet sites) these resources can only be accessed from computers located on the VMI post.

What does the "Online Catalogs" link do?

The Online Catalogs link provides a list of links to key library catalogs that may be helpful for VMI researchers.  These online catalogs show the holdings of local, state and national libraries.

What does the "General Reference" link do?

The General Reference  link provides a list of links to some of the more commonly used all-purpose reference sources available through Preston Library.  These resources are designed to answer frequently asked reference questions, such as weather, directional questions, statistics, and more.

What does the "Government Resources" link do?

The Government Resources link provides quick access to key print and electronic reference sources produced by the Virginia state and U.S. Federal government agencies.   

What does the "Current Events" link do?

The Current Events link provides quick access to key print and electronic resources that present current events information, facts, and statistics.

What does the "Library Home" link do?

The Library Home link takes users back to the main Preston Library home page.

What does the "Submit a Comment" link do?

The Submit a Comment link allows users to submit their comments on the usefulness of the SourceFinder by filling out a brief online form.

What does the "View Comment" link do?

The View Comment link is only for library staff.  It allows key library staff members to view comments.

SourceFinder Options:

Subject

The "Subject" category allows you to select the subject area that most closely corresponds with your research topic.  Only one subject category can be selected at a time.

Source

The "Source" category allows you to select the type or format from which you want to find information.  For example, a magazine article is very different from a handbook, which is different from a WWW page.

Note: You can choose as many sources as want, or you can automatically select every type of source available by selecting   "All Sources."  Source types are described below.

All Sources

Selecting this option automatically returns information on all types of sources described below.  Choosing "All Sources" will include the following categories in your search: articles in popular magazines, articles in scholarly journals, associations and groups, biographical information, book reviews, dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, factbooks/handbooks/guides, literary criticism, newspaper articles, other WWW sites, standards and codes.

Magazine/Journal Articles

Selects resources that provide citations, abstracts or full text of articles that originally appeared in either popular magazines or scholarly journals.

Articles from popular magazines usually: are for the general reader, are interspersed with advertising, are full of photographs, are brief, and are written by staff writers or reporters. Examples of popular magazines are: Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, and National Geographic.

Articles from scholarly journals usually: are in-depth and highly specialized, have little or no advertising, deal with research or scholarly topics, include bibliographies, are longer, have few illustrations or photos (except for graphs and charts), and are written by experts in the field. Examples of scholarly journals are: Journal of Management Studies, New England Journal of Medicine, and Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Associations and Groups

Selects resources that provide information on associations and groups of all types from all countries.  Provides contact information such as: telephone numbers, mailing addresses and web page addresses.

Biographical Information

Selects resources that provide biographical information on people in all professions and from all countries.

Book Reviews

Selects resources that provide citations, abstracts or the full text of book reviews (for all types of books in all fields of study) that originally appeared in newspapers, popular magazines and scholarly journals.

Dictionaries

Selects resources that provide definitions, pronunciations, and the history of common and not-so-common words.

Directories

Selects resources that provide directory information for people, organizations and professions.

Encyclopedias

Selects resources that provide brief but authoritative definitions and descriptions of people, places, events, concepts and principles. 

Factbooks/Handbooks/Guides

Selects resources that contain brief, all-embracing information for a discipline.  These types of resources commonly provide facts, figures, equations, conversion tables, definitions, directory information, descriptions and more.

Literary Criticism

Selects resources that provide critical analysis and discussion of literary works, themes and issues, as well as insights on the interpretation of meaning and quality of written works.  Such works include prose, poetry and drama.

Newspaper Articles

Selects resources that provide citations, abstracts or full text of articles that originally appeared in newspapers.  Includes local, state, national and international newspapers as well as trade publications and wire services.

Other WWW Sites

Selects key World Wide Web resources that can provide a wealth of information for researchers.  These resources are not subscription based, but have been carefully chosen for their high quality.

Standards & Codes

Selects resources that provide citations, abstracts or full text of standards, codes and technical specifications. Standards and Codes are especially useful to those in scientific and technical fields, such as engineering.

Limit Sources

The "Limit Sources" option allows users to limit the types of sources based on the following:

Electronic: Online sources accessible via computer anywhere on the VMI Post.
Non-Electronic: Printed sources (books, journals or newspapers) held by Preston Library. 
Full-Text: Sources that provide full-text online (such as complete magazine & newspaper articles).

Updated, Friday, April 14, 2006