Checking Out Books and Using Databases
A library with open book stacks allows you to browse the books on either side of the one whose catalog number you have and make your choices which ones to spend more time with. In libraries where book stacks are not accessible, make a list of all the books in the catalog that look helpful and request them. You need to take all of them to your table to look at and decide which to read.
Most college libraries and many large, metropolitan libraries provide access to their catalog via the Internet. During your initial research visit, find out what is required to log in from home and search the catalog. You probably need a library card and you may need to a user ID and password. Some libraries will mail materials you check-out via the Internet to your home. This is very helpful if you live a distance from the library or if you have limited transportation.
Subscription databases are resources the library purchases from commercial database services. Public libraries often give anybody with library card access these subscription databases, but they may not have as many databases as a college or university.
Colleges and universities usually restrict subscription database access to students, faculty, staff, and alumnae. On-campus, you can probably use your user identification to use a subscription database at the library. If you want to access subscription databases at home, you may need to setup a “proxy server” on your home computer. A proxy server identifies you as authorized to access subscription databases.
If a book is checked out by another a patron or is located at another branch of the library, request a hold on the book. You are notified when the book is returned to the library, or the book is moved from the branch where it is shelved to one where it is easier for you to pick-up. Your library may also mail requested books to your home. Libraries around the country share books. You may find a book title in a database that is not owned by the library you are using. Ask if the book can be borrowed through interlibrary loan.
