The Henderson Library, located on the campus of Georgia Southern University, is a comprehensive research library that provides students, faculty, and staff with access to a vast array of resources, including books, journals, databases, and other materials. To make the most of the library's resources and services, it's essential to be aware of the various tools and strategies available. In this article, we'll explore 10+ Henderson Library tips for easy research, helping you to navigate the library's collections, find relevant information, and produce high-quality research papers and projects.
Getting Started with Research
Before diving into your research, it’s crucial to understand the library’s layout and the resources available. The Henderson Library is divided into several floors, each with its own unique collections and services. The first floor features the library’s circulation desk, where you can check out books and other materials, as well as the research assistance desk, where librarians are available to help with your research questions. The second floor is home to the library’s periodicals collection, which includes journals, magazines, and newspapers, while the third floor features the library’s book collections, including fiction, non-fiction, and reference materials.
Utilizing Library Databases
The Henderson Library provides access to over 200 databases, covering a wide range of subjects, including business, education, engineering, and the arts. These databases offer a wealth of information, including articles, e-books, and other resources. To access the databases, simply visit the library’s website and click on the “Databases” tab. From there, you can browse the databases by subject or search for a specific database by name. Some popular databases available through the Henderson Library include JSTOR, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest.
| Database | Description |
|---|---|
| JSTOR | A digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. |
| EBSCOhost | A comprehensive database providing access to articles, e-books, and other resources in a wide range of subjects. |
| ProQuest | A database offering access to articles, e-books, and other resources in the social sciences, humanities, and sciences. |
Searching the Library’s Catalog
The Henderson Library’s catalog, known as GIL, is a powerful tool for finding books, journals, and other materials in the library’s collections. To search the catalog, simply visit the library’s website and click on the “Catalog” tab. From there, you can search for materials by keyword, title, author, or subject. You can also use the catalog’s advanced search features to narrow your search by format, language, and other criteria.
Using Interlibrary Loan Services
If the Henderson Library does not have a particular book or article you need, you can request it through the library’s interlibrary loan services. This service allows you to borrow materials from other libraries and have them delivered to the Henderson Library. To request an interlibrary loan, simply visit the library’s website and click on the “Interlibrary Loan” tab. From there, you can fill out a request form and provide the necessary information about the material you need.
Some benefits of using interlibrary loan services include:
- Access to materials not available in the Henderson Library's collections
- Convenience of having materials delivered to the library
- Ability to request materials from libraries around the world
Research Assistance and Support
The Henderson Library offers a range of research assistance and support services to help you with your research. Librarians are available to help with research questions, provide guidance on searching the databases and catalog, and offer support with citing sources and avoiding plagiarism. You can visit the research assistance desk on the first floor of the library or contact a librarian via email or phone.
Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism
Proper citation and avoidance of plagiarism are essential components of academic research. The Henderson Library provides access to a range of resources and tools to help you cite sources correctly and avoid plagiarism. These include citation guides, such as MLA and APA, as well as plagiarism detection software, such as Turnitin.
What is the best way to search the library's databases?
+The best way to search the library's databases is to use specific keywords and phrases related to your research topic. You can also use the databases' advanced search features to narrow your search by date, author, and other criteria.
How do I request an interlibrary loan?
+To request an interlibrary loan, simply visit the library's website and click on the "Interlibrary Loan" tab. From there, you can fill out a request form and provide the necessary information about the material you need.
What resources are available to help with citing sources and avoiding plagiarism?
+The Henderson Library provides access to a range of resources and tools to help with citing sources and avoiding plagiarism, including citation guides, such as MLA and APA, as well as plagiarism detection software, such as Turnitin.
In conclusion, the Henderson Library offers a wealth of resources and services to support your research needs. By utilizing the library’s databases, searching the catalog, and taking advantage of interlibrary loan services, research assistance, and support, you can produce high-quality research papers and projects. Remember to always cite your sources correctly and avoid plagiarism to ensure the integrity of your work.
