Checking Out Materials What you will need, how long you can check out library materials, fines, and holds are all covered.

What is OPAC Or how do I find a book?

Online Databases Please review the search tips under each of the named databases so that you can best use them to your advantage.

Homework Help MLA Citation Style Guides and tips.

About our Staff Learn about the library staff.

Research & Resources

C = Current Reference/Print Material
When doing research, always start with current reference books, textbooks and non-fiction library books. Learn some basic information about your subject and start a list of "keywords" you can use to gain more information on your topic. Begin this process with OPAC, our automated library catalog.

O = Online Resources
Use these resources every day! Our online resources are the Gale Group and World Geography Online. These are password protected databases that you can access 24/7 from school or home. They work like a search engine but contain information that is not available for free on the World wide Web. College students use similar databases for their research projects.

W = Webliographies (Pre-selected web sites)
A webliography is similar to a bibliography only it's on the web. These are web sites that have been selected by your teacher to assist you with your project. Please go to your class web site to find the web site for your project.

and if all else fails --

S = Search Engines
Search engines are not all created equal. Learn what types of information each will provide and how that information is presented. Take a few minutes and check out the following links.

Introduction to Search Tools

To learn more about Search Tools, follow the links by clicking on Introduction to Search Tools.

and

Major Search Engines

What can search engines do for you and how can they help you with your research. Read up on each of the major search engines and how they find information for you. Click on Major Search Engines.

and

How to Find a Specialized Search Engine for Your Topic

To learn more about Specialized Search Engines, follow the links by clicking on Specialized Search Engines for your topic.

REMINDER!
Before you use any web site you will need to evaluate it's quality if it is to be included as a source in a research paper. There are several tools that you can use to evaluate these sites:

Evaluating Web Pages:

Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask