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...request UD materials by mail? (Distance Education Students Only)
...see what library material I have checked out or on hold?
...find a newspaper or magazine article?
...get an article from another library?
...tell the difference between a magazine and journal?
Once you have a broad topic, it is a good idea to start with an encyclopedia to get some background information. The online Encyclopedia Britannica is available 24/7 no matter where you are. Start at the library webpage http://www.dbq.edu/library. Click on Search Articles, then General & Reference. Click on Britannica Online and search for your topic.
From http://www.dbq.edu/library, click on Search Books. Use words or very short phrases related to your topic to search. Try various combinations of keywords. Click on the title of any book to get more information.
Tip: When searching, the more words you search at once, the fewer results you will get.
How do I find a book on the shelf?
When you find a book by searching in the library catalog, make a note of the collection and call number. Use the following guide to help you find items. When in doubt, just ask!
Collection | Where to find it | Notes |
Circulating Collection | If call number starts with A-K: 1st floor, tall shelves, If call number starts with L-Z, 3rd floor shelves | May be checked out |
Reference | 1st floor, low shelves near public computer area | May not be checked out |
Reserves | Behind Circulation Desk | May not be checked out |
| RES104 | 1st floor in South Tower | May not be checked out |
UD Current Periodicals | 1st floor, magazine/journal shelves near public computer area | May not be checked out, arranged alphabetically by magazine/journal title, lift up slanted shelves for previous issues |
UD Couchman Periodicals | 1st floor, Couchman Reading Room (near computer classroom) | May not be checked out, arranged alphabetically by magazine/journal title |
UD Depository Collection | Lower Level | Some items available for checkout |
| Walter J. Peterson Collection (WJP) | Lower Level - Archives | May not be checked out |
WTS Circulating Collection | Reu Memorial Library at Wartburg Seminary | Items can be delivered to UD. Click Request Item and follow the instructions. |
Need more help with finding call numbers? Check out these explanations:
http://library.ucr.edu/?view=help/guides/callnumbers.html (University of California Riverside Libraries)
http://www.pitt.edu/~ford29/SatchLCall/COMPLETE/ (University of Pittsburgh).
How do I find a newspaper or magazine article?
To find an article about your topic, use on of the library's databases. Go to www.dbq.edu/library and click on Search Articles. Databases are listed by category. Find a database that fits your topic. A good general one to start with is Academic Search Premier. Search using any keywords or short phrases related to your topic.
Tip: Remember that you don't need to use small words like a, an, the, and of. Use only the important words. More words = fewer results.
Need help choosing a database or searching? Ask a librarian!
How do I get an article from another library?
Within a database, such as Academic Search Premier, some articles may not be in full-text (available for printing/emailing/saving). If this is the case, click on the link that says "Find It."
If the article is not available in another database or in print, click on "Get this item." Log in with your UD network ID and password, and follow the instructions. When the article is available, you will be emailed a link to login and see the article.
How do I tell the difference between a magazine and journal?
Magazine | Scholarly/Academic Journal | |
Audience | General audience/public | Professors, scholars/researchers, students |
Author | Usually journalists | Professors, scholars/researchers, experts |
Purpose | To inform reader | To inform reader, to disseminate and advance scholarly research |
Content | News or opinion articles, essays, photos | Articles with research results, data, tables/charts |
Review | Reviewed by editor for content, grammar | Reviewed by a panel of the authors peers to ensure quality content & methods |
Since websites (unlike books or journal articles) usually don't go through any type of review, it is up to you to evaluate them. Consider the following questions before you use a website in your paper:
Is an author listed? What if any credentials (Ph.D., memberships) do they have? (Search the internet for the person to find out more)
Is there an organization associated with the page? If so, what is the mission?
Is there a date provided on the page? Is the content up-to-date if that is important for your topic?
Is the site intended for general readers, students, professionals, or scholars/researchers?
Is the site trying to sell (.com), persuade (.org), educate (.edu), or inform (.gov)?
Is the site biased or does it present a balanced view of the topic?
Is there a background/"About Us" link?
Do the links work? (a sign of a well-maintained page)
Are there sources listed for the information that appears?
As you research, be sure to record information about your sources. For books, write down the author, title, city of publication, publisher, date, and pages you used. For articles, write down the author, article title, magazine or journal title, date, volume number, issue number, and page numbers.
You must cite in your paper anytime you use another authors words (direct quote) or ideas (paraphrase). If you don't cite your sources, you are plagiarizing! Citation formats also dictate how sources are listed in your bibliography/works cited at the end of your paper.
For the Social Sciences paper, use APA format for in-text citations and your Works Cited page. The library APA guide is available on the Social Sciences part of this website or in the library near the 1st floor photocopiers. More information and examples are found in Researching and Writing across the Curriculum (Hult), pp. 277-290.
For the Humanities paper, use MLA format for in-text citations and your Works Cited page.. The library MLA guide is avalable on the Humanities part of this website or in the library near the 1st floor photocopiers. More information and examples are found in Researching and Writing across the Curriculum (Hult), pp. 170-183.
For the Science paper, use CSE format (formerly known as CBE) for in-text citations and your Works Cited page. The library CSE guide (Name-Year format) is available on the Science part of this website or in the library near the 1st floor photocopiers. More information and examples are found in Researching and Writing across the Curriculum (Hult), pp. 218-227.
Tip: There are 2 versions of CSE format, Name-Year and Citation-Sequence. Be sure to check with your professor which one they prefer you to use.
How do I get help with the research process?
Stop by the reference desk (near the 1st floor photocopiers). Librarians or trained paraprofessionals are ready to answer your questions Monday through Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm and 6:00-11:00pm, Fridays 8:00am-3:00 pm, and Sundays 6:00pm-11:00pm.
During the same hours, you may also call the reference desk at (563) 589-3770 or IM us (AIM, Yahoo Messenger, or Meebo) at screenname udreference. Email us anytime at reference@dbq.edu. You may also contact any individual librarian directly.
Remember, there are no stupid questions in the library! We're here to help. We can help you find or narrow your topic, find sources, evaluate your sources, and work with citation styles.
How do I get help with the writing process?
Need help wording your research question, making your outline, or proofreading your paper? Stop by the Writing Center, inside the Academic Support Center, located on the 2nd floor of the library. Help with papers is available from professional and peer tutors. No appointment is necessary. And it's FREE!
Hours: Monday through Thursday 9am-9pm; Friday 9am-5pm
Stop in or call the ASC front desk: 589-3262
The University of Dubuque does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, handicap/disability, or age.
Persons having inquiries may contact the Director of Human Resources, University of Dubuque, 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001-5099.
Phone 563-589-3000
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