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 |