University of Southern Maine

CON 308 ~ Library Research Steps

I. Select Topic

• Course textbook, other readings, ideas obtained from class discussions, work experience etc. are good sources for topic selection.
• Narrow or broaden topic if appropriate. Change topic of information is insufficient.

II. Select Books

• URSUS--the computer book catalog
  1. Contains book holdings for all Univ. of Maine System campus libraries (7 campuses), along with some public libraries.  Does not include books owned by hospital libraries.
  2. Keyword searching--broader, scans words in all parts of the book record, e.g., title, contents, subject, etc. Use Advanced Keyword Search to 1) search multiple record parts simultaneously, e.g., author and title, or 2)restrict results by date, material type or other limits.Separate concepts with the word AND for more comprehensive results.
  3. Subject searching--uses narrow, controlled vocabulary.  Useful if certain of subject heading.
  4. Use "VIEW" feature to search for titles at a specific campus location.
  5. Click "Extended Display" button on results screen to identify campus location.
  6. If a book is listed in URSUS but held by another campus, e.g., Orono, Augusta, use "REQUEST" button to order book electronically.  Orono delivery slow, use another library if available.  Allow 5-10 days for delivery.  Pickup on 1st floor if sent to USM.
  7. If you want to request a book not listed in URSUS, complete the eInterlibrary Loan (ILLiad) form on library home page. Allow 5-10 days for delivery.  Pickup on 1st floor at Por and Gor

III. Select Periodicals Articles (sources of most recent information)

• Use a periodical index to locate articles on a topic.
  1. CINAHL (nursing and allied health index).
  2. MEDLINE (medical index).
  3. Ingenta Connect (multi-disciplinary).
• Print, e-mail, or download results.
• Examine bibliographies at end of articles to find other readings.

IV. Determine Who Owns Periodicals Needed

• Check note at end of records to identify periodicals owned by USM, or if a link to full text article is available.
• Use MULS (Maine Union List of Serials) to locate journal at another local Maine library, such as MMC, Mercy Hospital, UNE, etc. Especially useful if needed immediately. MMC allows users to copy articles but not to study, sign out books or use databases unless on their staff

V. Use Interlibrary Loan For Articles Not Online or Available in Print

• Complete electronic interlibrary loan (ILLiad) form on library webpage.
  • Articles will be delivered to your e-mail in 3-5 working days

VI. Other Sources

• Interviews
• Reference librarians
• Campus or Site Reference collection

VII. Search Strategy Review

• Select topic
• URSUS for book searches
• CINAHL, MEDLINE, and/or Ingenta Connect for article searches
• Check citation for USM holdings information or a link to full text.   Use MULS to locate journal titles in hospital or other libraries
• Use interlibrary loan for articles not owned at USM
• Other sources

Don't Procrastinate! Plan Ahead!

Last Update: 02.2005
Comments: Ask-A-Librarian