Difference between revisions of "Library Resources"

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==Search the Library==
 
==Search the Library==
 
There are many ways you can search the library’s digital and print holdings. This includes special collections, research guides, and course reserves.  
 
There are many ways you can search the library’s digital and print holdings. This includes special collections, research guides, and course reserves.  
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'''Search Tools'''
  
 
It is important to know the difference between types of search tools, of which there are 4: USearch, Library Catalogue, Databases (A to Z list), and E-Journals.  
 
It is important to know the difference between types of search tools, of which there are 4: USearch, Library Catalogue, Databases (A to Z list), and E-Journals.  
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Here is a link to the library website that helps answer the question [https://library.usask.ca/search-the-library/library-search-tools/index.php which search tool should I use]?
 
Here is a link to the library website that helps answer the question [https://library.usask.ca/search-the-library/library-search-tools/index.php which search tool should I use]?
  
''Some highlights include'':  
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''Some highlights include'':
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Use [https://primo-pmtna02.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/search?vid=USASK USearch] when searching for journal articles, when starting research to see what is available on your topic, when starting with a broad topic.
 
Use [https://primo-pmtna02.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/search?vid=USASK USearch] when searching for journal articles, when starting research to see what is available on your topic, when starting with a broad topic.
  
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Use the [https://libguides.usask.ca/az.php A to Z Databases] list when you know the name of the database you’re looking for, are interested in what databases the library licenses on your certain subjects, or you are doing intensive research in a specific subject area.
 
Use the [https://libguides.usask.ca/az.php A to Z Databases] list when you know the name of the database you’re looking for, are interested in what databases the library licenses on your certain subjects, or you are doing intensive research in a specific subject area.
  
Use the [https://library.usask.ca/ejournals/index.php Electronic Journal] search when you know the name of the journal you’re looking for, want to find journals that you have full-text online access to, or if you have a citation for an article and you want to know if the library has online access to the journal it’s published in.
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Use the [https://library.usask.ca/ejournals/index.php Electronic Journal] search when you know the name of the journal you’re looking for, want to find journals that you have full-text online access to, or if you have a citation for an article and you want to know if the library has online access to the journal it’s published in.
  
 
==Course Reserves==
 
==Course Reserves==

Revision as of 20:17, 1 September 2020

Digital Library Resource Access

St. Thomas More College is federated with the University of Saskatchewan and as part of the agreement between the two institutions, STM shares the University’s library system. All items in the STM library are discoverable through the University’s Library website, and STM students have the same access to books, databases, and electronic resources as USask students. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can find resources for your classes and papers.

First, it’s recommended to bookmark the library website.

Second, click on the My Library Account button and login to your account (your NSID and password). This will ensure you get the fullest access to resources as you browse the website.

Search the Library

There are many ways you can search the library’s digital and print holdings. This includes special collections, research guides, and course reserves.

Search Tools

It is important to know the difference between types of search tools, of which there are 4: USearch, Library Catalogue, Databases (A to Z list), and E-Journals.

Here is a link to the library website that helps answer the question which search tool should I use?

Some highlights include:

Use USearch when searching for journal articles, when starting research to see what is available on your topic, when starting with a broad topic.

Use the Library Catalogue when searching for specific books on the shelf, when wanting to place a hold or request something that is currently on loan, when searching for a book by title or author, when wanting to find reserves for your course, or if you know the call number of the item you’re looking for.

Use the A to Z Databases list when you know the name of the database you’re looking for, are interested in what databases the library licenses on your certain subjects, or you are doing intensive research in a specific subject area.

Use the Electronic Journal search when you know the name of the journal you’re looking for, want to find journals that you have full-text online access to, or if you have a citation for an article and you want to know if the library has online access to the journal it’s published in.

Course Reserves

Course reserves are library owned or licensed materials or items belonging to the instructor (books, articles, DVDs, etc.) that have been added to a course in Canvas or Blackboard at the instructors request. Due to COVID-19, course reserves are currently only electronic items (links or documents).

To find reserves for your course click the link for students. You can search by your course code (ENG 111) or by your professor’s last name, first name. If nothing comes up when you search it is possible that the Course Reserve has not been created yet. You can ask your professor, check with library staff, or check back again in a few days.

Research Guides

Another helpful way to find resources for your classes and papers is through research guides. These are subject specific guides that have been created and tailored by a subject librarian.

The content within these individual guides will vary but usually you will be able to find recommendations for books, theses, articles, databases, archives, dictionaries, encyclopedias, images, videos, and websites.

You will also find the subject librarian assigned to that subject and their contact information so you can reach out to them if you are having trouble. Subject Research Guides.

Connecting from Home

The library uses an authentication system called EZProxy that uses your NSID and password to identify you as a current student, staff, or faculty member.

When you search using the library website you are automatically routed through EZpProxy. Connecting from on campus, whether using a campus computer or your own laptop on the USask wireless network, does not require you to authenticate to get access to electronic resources. If you are located off-campus, you will be prompted to log in to access full-text versions of your search results. Beginning your search at the library website is the easiest, and preferred, way to gain full access to all licensed electronic resources.

To learn more visit the library website on how to ensure you are connecting through EZProxy.

Borrowing from the Library (Contactless)

Contactless Pickup at the Library is now available for all current USask students, staff, and faculty. Contactless Pickup can be arranged for borrowing physical items in our collection. Additionally, portions of items such as a book chapter, a print article, or select pages from a book can be scanned and delivered via email.

To request an item:

1.Search for the item using the Library Catalogue

2.When you have found what you need, click on the blue "Request Item” button

3.On the sign-in page, log in with your NSID and password. Choose "Contactless Pickup or Scan" in the Request Unit field

4.Select “Loan” (a full book or journal) or “Copy” (a scan of a small portion of a book or journal such as a chapter or article)

5.The details for title and author should automatically be filled in

6.Include a chapter name or page numbers for a “Copy” request

7.Click request and accept the copyright statement

8.Please allow up to five business days for your request to be filled

9.We ask that you limit your requests to five per day to avoid delays

Upon submitting a request, you will receive an email from the library notifying you when your items are ready for pick up. The email will also include instructions to follow upon arriving at the Murray Library doors facing the Arts Tower.

If you requested a scan, you will receive an email from the library with instructions and a link to access your article as soon as it is ready.

Physical items (such as books) can be picked up from the Murray Library 1-4 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). To maintain physical distancing, follow the markings on the ground outside the doors facing the Arts Tower at two-metre (six foot) intervals. Photo identification is required to receive your items.

Newly checked-out items will have a due date of Sept. 30. If you want to return items before Sept. 30, please drop them off in the book drop at the Murray Library loading dock. Please note that we quarantine returned items for 3-5 business days before checking them in. Items will still appear on your account until they have been checked in.

Items from any University Library location can be requested for scanning or for pick up. Currently, materials from the Library Annex are not available. University Archives and Special Collections offers select digital access, but remains closed.

In introducing access to our physical collections through Contactless Pickup, our initial focus is meeting the research, teaching, and learning needs of our current faculty, staff, and students. As we address the influx of initial requests, we will evaluate the possibilities of service to other library user groups, such as alumni.

Student Learning Services

Student Learning Services is an invaluable resource to any student at any stage in their university career, but they are especially helpful to new students just entering university to offer support and teach skills that will remain invaluable throughout your studies and career.

In addition to workshops on many topics, they offer Writing Help, Math & Stats Help, Study Skills Help, Academic Skills Development, Learning Communities, and Peer Assisted Learning (PAL), and much more.

Research

The library can help you find citations, learn about copyright, learn how to manage research data, find research resources, find resources at other institutions, and you can even put in a request to have an item purchased.

Find out how the library can support your research through all stages of your project, from formulating a research question to preservation of your scholarly outputs.

Research Support

Help me find…

This is instruction on finding books, journal articles, theses, dissertations, course reserves, maps, newspapers, book reviews, microforms, government information, data and statistics, patents, conference proceedings, GIS, and archives and special collections help.

Help me find…

Just click on the type of resource you would like help finding, you will be linked to a page that teaches you how to find and why you might use that specific resource type.