Here is a sample from the HomeMaker for Libraries program of a page for "Finding Things in the Library". This is not a real library page and is intended to show you what your "finding" page will look like if you use HomeMaker for Libraries.
Finding Things in the LibraryFinding things in the library can be a big job. Whenever you are unsure, you should feel free to ask the Reference Librarian for help. The major duty of the Reference Librarian is to help people find the books, magazines, information, and answers that they came in looking for. If they can't find it, they will usually know what you should do next. There are several ways to find information in the library. Most of the things that people look for in a library can be found by using the catalog, the pamphlet or vertical file, a magazine index, a newspaper index, or one of the CDROM databases owned by the library. Below are descriptions of the various finding aids and in some cases, links to pages that discuss how to use them. Online catalogSome City Public Library has an computerized catalog to help you find library materials. You can connect to our online catalog now or use one of the dedicated searching stations in our library. You search by Title, Author or Subject, or Keywords. A keyword search will look in more places for occurrences of that word and probably find more matches. If you'd like general information about how to use computerized catalogs, take a look at our Online Catalog Guide. This is a very general guide to using an online catalog and was not created by this library. If you have questions about using our catalog, please ask the Reference Librarian. Magazine ArticlesTo find magazine articles on a particular topic, use the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature, microfilm or microfiche, or our computerized InfoTrac database. The electronic versions can be searched using many of the same features as the catalog, ie. author, title, subject, and keyword. The Reference Librarian can help you get started with these indexes. Newspaper ArticlesMost libraries have an index to newspaper articles. The older newpaper articles will be on microfilm or microfiche, maybe even in books. These older methods of indexing require that you spend some time to sit down and locate articles using the index and then go the the fiche or film that contains the article. There might also be an electronic database or CDROM available for more recent newspaper articles. You will need to ask the Reference Librarian. Like magazine indices, electronic newspaper indices will allow you to search the entire article for your search terms. Older microfilm, microfiche, and books are limited to Author, Title, and Subject. CD-ROM DatabasesCD-ROMs are popular because they can hold so much information and many users can use them at the same time. Our library's collection includes encyclopedias, Facts on File News Digest, and residential and business phone books. Library computers include a menu of CD-ROMs, and the Reference Librarian can answer your questions. Pamphlets and Vertical FilesSome City Public Library maintains a collection of pamphlets and other materials
too small or flimsy to be kept on the regular shelves. Some of these materials
can be checked out, some of them are available for photocopy only. They are usually
stored by subject. Don't overlook these materials! They can include items that
are current, rare, unusual, small or in some way unique and can be a real treasure.
Our Reference Librarian can direct you to these materials.
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200 East 12th Street Some City CA 91954 |
First posted 1996.
Last modified
Monday October 20, 2008
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