Were you assigned a research paper? Or maybe you need to put together an annotated bibliography? You might even just be looking for some casual reading material. Regardless of your circumstances, finding resources in the library is easier than it may seem. 

Consider meeting with Jennifer Joseph, Geneva’s reference librarian. She has significant experience tracking down useful resources and is always happy to help. 
 

Finding Digital Sources 

If you are looking for digitally published sources, Geneva offers several databases to meet your needs. Visit https://www.geneva.edu/library/databases/ to view all of the databases that you have access to as a student. From here, choose a database that will be useful for your needs. Often it can be valuable to start with Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCOhost) and then narrow your search from there. 

You can use keywords relevant to your topic as a starting point, but it might be helpful to use filters such as “full text only” and “English language.” As you search for articles, try starting with a broad topic and narrowing it from there, unless you are searching for an article that will clarify a specific piece of research for your project. 

Finding Books 

If you are looking for books to read or use as sources, there is an easy system to find them in the library. 

1. First search the library catalog for either the topic you are researching or the title of the book. You can access the library catalog by either visiting https://www.geneva.edu/library/ or by using one of the computers in the library. 
   
   
2. Once you have identified the book or books you are looking for, you will notice that there is a number-letter code associated with each book (for example: PR2894 .W66). The first letters indicate which floor of the library the book is located on; the letters at the beginning of the alphabet are on the third floor, and each floor will indicate which letters are stored on the floor.
   
   
3. When you have determined the floor where your book is located, then look at the ends of the shelves which indicate which range of numbers are stored on that shelf.
   
   
4. Now all you need to do is find the specific number associated with your book once you’ve found the correct shelf.
   
   
5. Take the book to the circulation desk to check it out (you will need your student ID with you in order to check out a book). 

Finding Periodicals 

For some assignments, you may need to read articles that were published in periodical magazines. For example, in POL 352 students are instructed to read recent articles from a variety of political magazines. The periodical magazines used for these specific assignments are kept at the circulation desk, so you will need to ask the attendant to borrow those. 

However, for other assignments you may need to use a periodical magazine that is not kept at the circulation desk. All the periodicals are kept in the basement floor of the library and are categorized in alphabetical order of the periodical title, and then in numerical order of volume (remember that in most cases the lower the volume number, the older the periodical). If you are having trouble finding a specific periodical or volume, you can always ask a library staff member for assistance. Take note that you cannot check out periodicals, and so you must either read the periodical within the library or scan the pages you need and email them to yourself.

Using the library to find scholarly resources may seem daunting, but don’t stress. Once you know how the system works, finding what you need becomes a breeze. Plus, if you are ever having any trouble finding what you need, the library staff is there to help you. 

Don’t worry, you’ve got this! 

By Mattigan Burleigh ‘24