How Do I...? and Research FAQs

How do I | Research FAQs

How do I...? (Library Basics)

: How do I get books or articles if the Wheelock Library doesn't have them?; Can I search the databases from home?; How can I tell where a book is? It just says "Wheelock Main" in the catalog.; How do I renew books from home?; How do I find an item that is supposed to be available but I can't find it on the shelf?; How do I find my course reserves?; How do I take out books or course reserves? Do I need my ID?; How do I return books if the library is closed?; How do I know what my overdue fines are? Does the library charge for overdue books?; How do I get to other FLO libraries? How do I check out books once I'm there?; How do I get change for the copier?; What is a copy card and how can I get one?; What should I do if I have problems with a photocopy machine, a copy card, or the copy card dispenser?; What is microfiche?

Research FAQs

Getting Started with an Assignment: How do I choose the right database for my project?; How do I get articles if my instructor has said we cannot use websites for an assignment?; How do I make a Works Cited list, References list, or bibliography? How about end notes or footnotes; and in-text citations? And how do I know which style to use?; How do I know if a website is OK to use for a paper?

Searching the Catalog: Why can't I find anything in the online catalog? I want some books, but there doesn't seem to be anything on my topic.; I'm looking for children's books; is there a way to get only these in my search?; How can I find easy readers or leveled readers? I didn't see any on the children's book floor.

Searching the Databases: What are the different databases? How do I know which one to use?; I get zero results when I search an obvious topic. What is wrong?; I'm a little confused. What do "and", "or" and "not" do in the databases?

Searching the Web: How do I find more results than Google gives me?; How can I use Google more effectively?

Journals and Articles: How can I get full-text articles online or in print?; How do I tell if the library has a particular journal?; I have a citation from ERIC but I can't find a journal name. How do I get this item?; After I find a citation for an article in one of the databases, where do I look for the actual article?; How can I tell which is the article title and which is the journal title in a citation?

What if I'm still stuck?

Library Basics (How do I...?)

How do I get books or articles if the Wheelock Library doesn't have them?

The Wheelock Library may be able to borrow a copy of the book or get a photocopy of the article from another library.

If you found a book in the online catalog, and the book is available at one of the other FLO libraries, submit a request for the item through the online catalog (FLO)

If the book is not in the online catalog or you are looking for an article:

Books:

Submit the online Book ILL Request form

You many also come to the Library and fill out a paper request form. Forms are available on floor 1M.

Articles:

Submit the online Article ILL Request form

You many also come to the Library and fill out a paper request form. Forms are available on floor 1M.

Complete directions are available on the InterLibrary Loan page.

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Can I search the databases from home?

Yes. All of the Library's online databases can be accessed from off campus. When you access them from off campus, you will taken to a login page that prompts you to enter a username and password. Use the same username and password you use to access your Wheelock e-mail account.

If you need help, please contact the Reference department at 617-879-2222 or e-mail reference@wheelock.edu.

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How can I tell where a book is? It just says "Wheelock Main" in the catalog.

First, look for the call number that will be to the right of the words "Wheelock Main". Once you locate the call number, there are a few ways to find out where the book is located in the Library:

Check the Wheelock Floor by Floor guide

Check the directories and signs in the Library lobby, the stairwells, or the elevator

Ask a staff member

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How do I renew books from home?

Use your 'My Library Account.' Enter in your:

Barcode (for specific instructions on deciphering your barcode, click on the "Wheelock Patrons Click Here" link).

PIN number (default PIN is fenway1. Please change your PIN number after logging in the first time)

Last name

Scroll down to the list of "Items Checked Out". Check the boxes next to those items you wish to renew and then click the "Renew Items" button at the bottom of the list. The status of your request will appear to the right of the title.

If you have any questions about renewing items, please ask a Librarian at the Circulation Desk or call 617-879-2220.

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How do I find an item that is supposed to be available but I can't find it on the shelf?

With the number of users in the Library, sometimes items get misplaced and they aren't where they are supposed to be. If you have trouble locating an item on the shelf, come to the Circulation Desk and ask for assistance. If someone is free to help you, we will assist you in locating the item. If there is no one free, you cannot wait, or we are unable to locate the item for you, you will be asked to fill out a "Book Search Form". A Library staff member will look for the item and keep you informed about the status of the search. If we are unable to locate the item after a certain period of time, we will assist you in locating the item elsewhere.

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How do I find my course reserves?

All course reserves are located behind the Circulation Desk. Students are allowed to check out three reserve items at one time. Before you come to the desk, you MUST know the call number of each of the item(s) you need. To find the call number:

Go to the Library's Course Reserve tab of the online catalog (FLO)

Find your instructor in the drop-down list. All instructor names will be preceded by the word "Wheelock".

Find your course in the drop-down list. All course names are preceded by the three-letter code "WHE".

Click the Search button at the bottom of the screen. This will bring up the list of items that are on reserve for your course.

Find the title of the item(s) that you need. The call number will be listed below and to the right of the title.

Bring the call number information to the Circulation Desk and we will be happy to get you the item you need.

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How do I take out books or course reserves? Do I need my ID?

In order to check out library materials you must present a valid Wheelock ID, a valid FLO card or a valid ID from another library in the Fenway Library Consortium (FLC).

Course reserves are available only to current Wheelock students. Your ID will be held behind the Circulation Desk until your item(s) is returned.

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How do I return books if the library is closed?

The Library has a book return slot located to the right of the main door. The book return is locked during hours in which the Library is open.

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How do I know what my overdue fines are? Does the library charge for overdue books?

The Wheelock College Library does not charge fines for overdue Wheelock Library materials. However, overdue items that are not returned to the Library promptly may affect your borrowing privileges. In addition, you will be charged a lost item and lost item processing fee.

Other FLO libraries DO charge fines. You are responsible for any fines accrued at other FLO or FLC libraries. Check with each library for their specific policy. You may find out if you have any overdue fines by looking at your record in My Account.

Go to the Library's homepage. Under the heading "Library Services" click on the link called "My Library Account". Enter in your:

Barcode (for specific instructions on deciphering your barcode, click on the "Wheelock Patrons Click Here" link).

PIN number (default PIN is fenway1. Please change your PIN number after logging in the first time)

Last name

Scroll down to the "Fines and Fees" section. Any fines and fees on your record will be listed.

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How do I get to other FLO libraries? How do I check out books once I'm there?

Use this map to find the locations of the other FLO libraries. Once you are there, present your Wheelock ID or FLO card to check out library materials. (Some restrictions may apply.) Be aware that if you have delinquent items on your account or are not registered at the Wheelock Library, you may be restricted from borrowing at other FLO libraries. If you have any questions before you go, please call or visit the Wheelock Library.

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How do I get change for the copier?

Unfortunately, the Library does not have a change machine nor are we able to make change for patrons. There is a change machine in the Wheelock Student Center.

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What is a copy card and how can I get one?

A copy card is a debit card for use with the photocopy machines. They can be purchased for $.40 at the card dispenser on floor 3. You insert $1 into the card dispenser and get a card with $.60 on it. If you would like to add more money to the card simply insert the card into one of the photocopy machines, followed by your money. The machine will automatically add the value to your card. Copies made with a copy card are $.12 each; copies made with cash are $.15 each.

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What should I do if I have problems with a photocopy machine, a copy card, or the copy card dispenser?

Notify a library staff member as soon as possible so that we can rectify the problem quickly.

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What is microfiche?

Microfiche is a sheet of photographic film (about the size of an index card) that has miniaturized images of text pages. The pages can be read and copied from the microfiche using the reader-printer machine near the fiche cabinets.

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Research FAQs

Getting Started with an Assignment

How do I choose the right database for my project?

On the Library's Databases page, the databases are arranged by subject. Click on the subject area closest to your research topic. Some Arts and Humanities databases such as Expanded Academic ASP and OmniFile Full Text Mega, are interdisciplinary and cover several fields - don't forget to try these too. If you need help, do not hesitate to contact a librarian.

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How do I get articles if my instructor has said we cannot use websites for an assignment?

When your instructor says that you may not use websites as resources, this usually means that you are not supposed to use sites that you find on the free web. The full-text articles that you find in the Library's online databases are not websites but articles for which the Library pays. Although you access them through the Internet, they are not on the free web.

Not everyone uses the term website in the same way and it can be confusing. Be sure to ask your instructor if it is unclear to you what she or he means.

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How do I make a Works Cited list, References list, or bibliography? How about end notes or footnotes; and in-text citations? And how do I know which style to use?

Your instructors will let you know which style is expected for your courses. Generally, social sciences (e.g. education, social work, psychology) use APA, and arts and humanities (e.g. English, art, philosophy) use MLA. BUT these are not the only styles and your instructor may require something else, so be sure to check.

You can find guides and links to websites with more detailed information at:

http://www.wheelock.edu/library/liresources/licitation.asp

The full style manuals themselves are available only in print. They are available in the Reference area of the library (floor 1M) for you to consult.

You can also call, email, or come see us for help.

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How do I know if a website is okay to use for a paper?

Always check with your instructor to find out what the guidelines are for using websites for your assignment. For help deciding if a website is OK to use for a paper, try the following:

Go to the Library's How to do Research page. Scroll down to the section entitled "How to Recognize a Quality Web Site." The websites in this section will help you decide what sites may or may not be suitable.

Try using the "link" command in Google

Sometime you can tell if a website is credible or find out what its purpose is by looking at what other organizations link to it. Go to Google's Who links to you page for instructions on how to use this feature.

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Searching the Catalog

Why can't I find anything in the online catalog? I want some books, but there doesn't seem to be anything on my topic.

Be sure to start with a keyword search

Only use one or two words; if you use more than one word you must use quotation marks (" ") or you will get no results

Check the results from your keyword search for subject headings you might want to search

Select a title from the results page by clicking on the number in the left-hand column

Click on the "Detailed Record" box in the middle of the page

You can search the subject heading directly by clicking on the term

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I'm looking for children's books; is there a way to get only these in my search?

Yes, there is a way to limit your search. Your results will also include classroom materials such as kits and games in addition to children's books, but will not include materials from the main or reference collections.

To limit your search to these materials:

Go the Library's online catalog (FLO)

Find the drop-down menu under the words "Limit to (Option)"

Under Wheelock College, select "Juvenile and Curriculum Collections"

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How can I find easy readers or leveled readers? I didn't see any on the children's book floor.

Wheelock has many easy readers, but unlike many school or public libraries, they are not in a separate section. Most are either in the picture book collection (call numbers start with J-P) or the non-fiction collection (call numbers have J followed by a number). A few, more challenging titles (sometimes called transitional readers) are in the juvenile fiction collection (the chapter books).

For easy readers, emergent readers, or beginner books:

Search the online catalog (FLO)

In the "Search by" box, click Subject Heading

In the Search Box enter: Readers (Primary)

For stories (such as Henry and Mudge) enter the following:
Readers (Primary) Juvenile fiction

For non-fiction (such as Bugs are Insects) enter the following:
Readers (Primary) Juvenile literature

For reading series programs (sometimes called basal readers) such as the HBJ Reading Program enter:

Readers (Primary)

Use one of the many reference books on floor 1M

Try Beyond Picture Books, R 028.5 B28b

Best Books for Beginning Readers, R 028.5 G95b

"Books for Beginning Readers" section of Best Books for Children, R 028.5 B462 2002

Identify a title by using the indexes and lists in this reference book

Search the title of the children's book in the online catalog

For leveled readers:

Use Matching Books to Readers: Using Leveled Books in Guided Reading, K-3, R 372.4 F82m on floor 1M to identify children's book titles by level

Search the title of the children's book in the online catalog

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Searching the Databases

What are the different databases? How do I know which one to use?

This is an important question. Selecting a database that indexes the kinds of articles and journals that you need is critical to your success!

Select Databases from the Articles section of the Library page.

Click on the subject area of your topic from the list. For some topics you may have to search in more than one subject area to get all the information you need

Select a database from the list

Some of the database names are pretty clear (Social Work Abstracts), others are rather obscure (CINAHL, OmniFile Full Text Mega).

Check the description to see if that helps

If you're still not sure -- ASK! Don't spend a lot of time getting anxious and frustrated searching in a database that doesn't match your research need. Call or email a librarian or the reference desk, (reference@wheelock.edu; ext. 2222) or check with your professor.

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I get zero results when I search an obvious topic. What is wrong?

You may be searching in the wrong database.
Check the subject areas on the Databases page to see if the database you have chosen covers your topic.

You may be using terms the database doesn't use

Some databases use limited vocabularies of specialised terms, sometimes called a thesaurus

Try other words for your topic -- "adolescents" instead of "teenagers", or

Check the database's thesaurus, index, or list of terms.

You may be using the right word but searching the wrong form of it

Try truncation. Some databases use ? and some use *; check on the search page or the database help page to see which symbol to use.

For example use "autis?" instead of "autistic" or "autism" in case one of those terms isn't used or used as much

You may be using too many search terms.

In Google, entering many words in the search box helps you narrow your search to get fewer, more relevant results.

In the databases you need to use single words or very short phrases (sometimes requiring quotation marks) connected by the words "and" or "or" (without quotation marks).

Start simple! Instead of trying "the effects of maternal depression on children of World War II mothers living in poverty", you might search "maternal depression", or "motherhood and depression".

Change searches a little bit at a time at first so you can tell what part of your search works and what doesn't.

Also be sure to check your spelling. Google will offer the correct spelling if you have misspelled a word; the databases will not.

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I'm a little confused. What do "and", "or" and "not" do in the databases?

Remember that in the databases these words work differently than they do in conversation. When you combine terms in searches:

"And" will decrease the number of results you find because using "and" says that results must have both (or however many) terms you have used.

"Or" will increase the number of results you find because using "or" says that results can contain either one term or the other

"Not" will decrease the number of results by eliminating anything containing that term.

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Searching the Web

How do I find websites besides using Google?

Google is a great tool, but it's not the only tool or always the best tool for finding web information. Here are a few other places to look:

Library's lists of Selected Websites organized by subject

Your syllabus, books and articles assigned for your class, or reference sources (on floor 1M) may have other good sites.

Learn how to use search engines more powerfully. Google isn't always the best search engine for the job. Read more about becoming a power searcher at:

Search Engine Watch's Web Searching Tips

Types of Search Tools

Also consider using other resources besides the web. Not everything is on the web, and much of what is on the web is not suitable for college course assignments.

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How can I use Google more effectively?

Google has many capabilities beyond finding web pages. It also offers such functions as Calculator, Definitions, PhoneBook, Search By Number, Web Page Translation, and Who Links To You?

Learn how to use Google for these and other tasks.

You can also use Advanced Search to make your searches much more specific by limiting the date, domain, or file type of your results, and by indicating whether particular words or phrases can be interchanged, are necessary, or must not appear. Select Advanced Search next to the Search button to take advantage of this option and find tips for using it.

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Journals and Articles

How can I get full-text articles online or in print?

The full text of articles only started to become available in the mid 1990s so articles published earlier will not be available. And only a small percentage of current and recent articles from academic journals are made available online in full-text versions at no cost. If you absolutely must have only a full-text article you can:

Limit your search results to only full-text (in most databases)

Your results will be much more limited in how many you get and in what journals they are from.

Use a database that features full-text articles such as Expanded Academic or OmniFile Full Text Mega

You can also find out if we have full-text access to a particular journal by checking the full-text journal list (called TDNet):

Go to Databases (under Articles)

Select the link "Check the full-text journal list" (under the list of subjects)

Enter the journal title in the search box

TDNet will tell you if there are full-text articles from that journal available in one of our databases and provide a direct link to the articles.

If you have a citation for an article that is only available in print and aren't sure how to get it please call, email, or come see a librarian.

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How do I tell if the library has a particular journal?

Although some databases try to help with this, their information is not necessarily accurate. For example they may say "This title is not held locally" (meaning we do not have the journal) when we do have it. To find out:

Open another browser window

Go to the Library homepage, and then the Library Catalog (FLO)

Enter the journal title (not the article title) in the search box

Select "Journal title" from the "Search By:" box on the right

Select "Wheelock College" from the "Limit to" box if you only want to see if Wheelock has it

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the results page if necessary (past any other libraries) to see what Wheelock has

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I have a citation from ERIC but I can't find a journal name. How do I get this item?

Check the citation for a number in parentheses such as (ED475459). Citations with these ED numbers are ERIC Documents.

Many but not all of the newer documents are available online. To get full-text online documents:

Click on the "Full text from EDRS" link at the end of the citation.

Be patient -- it can take several minutes for your document to load; you might want to open a new browser window and keep working on something else

The library has all ERIC documents in microfiche form. Go to floor 3 and ask for assistance finding, viewing, and/or printing the document

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After I find a citation for an article in one of the databases, where do I look for the actual article?

All the journals are on floor 3. They are arranged in alphabetical order by the journal title. (They look sort of like encyclopedia sets because individual issues are bound together into matching volumes.)

The word "the" does not count at the beginning of the title, but it does count in the middle. So The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is shelved in the J area, and it comes after Journal of Child and Family Studies.

It can get confusing! Always ask for help!

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How can I tell which is the article title and which is the journal title in a citation?

The article title comes before the journal title, and in the databases it will be the link you click on to get to a full record or the full-text. The journal title will have volume and page information after it, and in the databases may be in Italic type or be identified as the "Source" (abbreviated as "SO").

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What if I'm still stuck?

If you don't know where to start, come see us! We'll be happy to assist you in any way we can. Here are some other good places to start.

Library Staff names and contact information

Request an individual appointment for research assistance

Email us for research help

You can also go to the How to do Research area of the Library's website for a brief guide to the Library's resources and for other links on researching and writing papers.

Other College resources:

Your Account

For help with renewals, bills, or availability of materials, e-mail the Circulation Desk, call 617-879-2220, or view our borrowing policies.

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