With so many resources, where do I even start when looking for information (like how would I know where to start when searching through the library databases)? Ways to find reliable sources for research and databases that will help me with research. Subject guides! They are curated by experts,so theyonly point to reliable databases and eliminate some of the confusing search interfaces.
I wish there was a full list of what libraries we had access to and what specifics can be found where. Do all libraries have the same resources?No, the various libraries have specialties, but there is a lot of overlap between libraries too. We have many libraries and archives, but some aren't open to the public or have requirements for accessing the material. While each library has some specificitems, many times we have duplicate items in multiple locations. For a preview of all the local locations, check our library hours here:https://library.osu.edu/locations. However, because we are such a large library system and want all our content to be available to as many people as possible, we have a continual flow of books and materials between locations. So the easiest way to know what can be found where is to find it via the library website and have it sent to the location of your choice!
What things I have access to?We have over 5.8 million volumes and subscriptions to thousands of journals, as well as over a quarter of a million items in our special collections. We also provide access to almost all of the items at academic institutions in Ohio and the Big Ten schools. In short, if you have a curiosity, we probably have informationabout it - just ask! We can help you navigate this very large system and let you know about additional support programs too!!
Are they normally packed with students? Usually, yes, and especially around finals they are super-packed. The secret to finding study space: explore the small libraries, and reserve group study rooms for you and your study buddies!https://library.osu.edu/locations
How can I be efficient in finding what I need? How to use the databases better? Because we live in a world of information overload (and it's the same with academic libraries), have a strategy is key! Examples of strategy include: Starting with a subject guide narrows it some, as you can choose a more targeted database. Then building a good search string (too many results? add some words; too few? be less specific). Use the filters - by language, date, type of article, etc. Remember that research is iterative, so you will need to tweak your strategy as you learn about your topic.
What does OSU have regarding organizing and evaluating information? OSU has a number of experts that can help you with evaluating information as well as the eBookChoosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research.For organization, I recommend using citation managers to collect, sort, and organize academic literature. My favorite is Zotero, but any of them are good.
How to be more effective while finding relevant information for my assignments. Strategy is key to effectiveness, as well as developing good search terms, using database filters, and having a process by which you quickly discard information. Research is iterative, so your process may cycle a couple of times for a big project, but be pretty straightforward for a small one. I recommend starting with a subject guide, doing some preliminary searching, gathering information in a citation manger, evaluating it, going back to search for information you may have missed, gather that, evaluate, etc. until you have what you need to complete your task. For bigger projects I recommend tracking what databases you've searched, when, how many results and what exact search terms you used - this really cuts down on duplication!
I’m curious about how the OSU library system works.The basic components of anacademic library are 1) electronic articles incommercial databases (which often have overlapping content), 2) print books, 3) eBooks (which may be listed separately or be in database collections), 4) print journals with articles, 5) special collection material (like ancient manuscripts, original artwork, etc.), and 6) experts that know how to evaluate, collect, and use these items. So it's pretty complex. We try and make as much visible through our website, but sometimes that can lead to more confusion. When in doubt, please ask us - we're always happy to help!
I am curious on how libraries are able to update their archives everyday and have the ability to help students with many facilities such as research, rental on books and more.It is a Herculean effort that takes about 200 employees, most behind the scenes purchasing information, classifying it, loading electronic records, shipping and receiving items, etc. We have a whole separate IT team that ensures that the library webpageupdatesevery night and that the hundreds of databases stay connected at all times.
How to access resources/texts online/how to search for information. The key to good searching is getting rid of irrelevant stuff quickly. You have two choices of where to start: if you have a topic in mind, starting with a subject guide narrows your options of databases, but if you don't have a topic in mind, you can start on the library webpage and explore. If you find your access blocked, make sure your are logged in to the library system with your name/#. Use the filters to limit your searches, particularly if you only want on-line items, or only peer-reviewed, or only eBooks. When you hit a snag, reach out and ask us - it will save you time and energy!
I am curious about how to navigate around the libraries to look for books.I am curious about how to search catalogs to find desired books within the library.Where we can place a hold on books, and how to check the status of them?For access to print information, you can search our catalog here:https://library.ohio-state.edu/. Finding a book is as easy as typing a topic in the 'Books and more' tab on the Libraries webpage and then working the filters to narrow your choices (hint: click on 'modify search' at the top to get access to many filters). Once you find an item you are interested in, it may be available on-line, a physical item located somewhere, or non-circulating. You can also see if it is available or it's due date if it's not currently available. On-line items can be accessed with your name.#, physical items can be sent to whatever library or dorm location you choose (hint: look for the 'Request this item' athe top), and non-circulating items may require you to contact the library to set up an appointment.Bear in mind that only a few million of our print volumes are on-campus, as we store most of our materials at remote locations. You just click on the 'request an item' link and we'llsend it to a different OSU library, or send it to your dorm. We don't place holds on books much, as we almost always can get you another copy via the 'Request this item' button or the 'Request via Interlibrary Loan' button. Alternatively, you can search the OHIOLink catalog and get the item shipped to an OSU library (http://olc1.ohiolink.edu/search/).
With so many libraries on campus, how do you determine which resources belong at each of them?Each library will contain books and materials that relate to it's specialty, but because areas often overlap, there may be duplicate copies of items at different libraries. As well, we have many off-site storage facilities with low-use items, but you can request any item to be sent to any of our libraries or to your dorm.
Can you rent or take a book from the library under your name like a normal library in case you want to study in your dorm instead of the library? If so, what should I do if I need a book and someone else already has checked the book out. Is there a digital copy for every book in the library, like an e-book?Yes! You can check out many of our books and take them wherever you like to study. If the book is already checked out, it will show the due date in the catalog record and you may be able to request another copy from one of our partners via Interlibrary Loan. Unfortunately, there isn't a digital copy of every book in the library, as many publishers will only sell print books. However, if a digital copy is available, we prefer to buy them, as they are more easily accessible. Can't find a book? Ask us!
I am curious about how the silent floors work - if there is nobody else on the floor does it have to be silent? The silent/quiet floors are marked by signs and we try and have at least one space in each library.All other areas may have conversations going on, or even active programs (dance, music, speakers, etc.). Generally, students self-police the quiet floors, and are quite strict about it, so if you want to talk, I'd find another space. If you are annoyed by non-quietpeople in the silent space, and you don't want to confront the individuals, you can always call/text/stop by the front desk and they will remind them of the meaning of the space.Stay on the look-out for signs as our spaces do change as needed!
What resources besides physical books can I use at the library? The three main things an academic library offers are resources (books, articles, manuscripts, etc.), spaces (study space, rooms, etc.) and experts (subject librarians). There's lots of other fun programs too, including the First Year Success Program, etc., so have fun exploring and don't hesitate to reach out with questions!
I want to know more about the cartoon/comics library and what kind of books they have there.The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library is so much fun!! It is a research library, so there isn't a browsing collection of material, but it has extensive digital collections. It also houses original art and select research materials that scholars can request to view in the reading room. I encourage you to check it out and maybe even attend an exhibit or two:https://cartoons.osu.edu/.
I'm curious about the database that is specifically set up for the College of Pharmacy. There are several databases that are very specific to pharmacy studies, and while you can find them via the library homepage, it is easier to find them on the Pharmacy Guide. Most of them are commercially-provided and are meant to assist the practicing pharmacist, so they can be tricky to use. However, becoming familiar with them now can help you later in your studies!
How much work goes into organizing all the databases. Since there are so many, I'm sure it takes awhile to go through them and sort them into different categories. So many people assist with this! First, the publisher categorizes the databases and provides a catalog record for them. Then our own catalogers may enhance the record (called the 'metadata'), and subject librarians also group them according to how people are currently using them. The categories overlap and change over time, and the content of the databases changes too, so it is an on-going process.
What rare and interesting media and books the library offers. I am curious about looking into the different exhibits the library provides. We have so many Special collections and rare materials, it is hard to describe them all! We try and periodically highlight our lesser-known works in exhibits and offer summer scholarships for students who want to do deep projects with the library. If you are ever interested in working more deeply with any of our collections, just contact any of our experts!
What specific information and resources are at the Pharmacy library versus Thompson? Which specific library to go to for specific books or informational texts? The Pharmacy Library has pharmacy and biological sciences information that may not be found in other libraries. For instance, the Handbook of Non-prescription Drugs is only found in the Pharmacy Library. However, there is a tremendous amount of overlap between libraries. A good example is that all of the science libraries (18th Avenue Library, Veterinary Medicine, Food, Agriculture and Economic Sciences Library, etc.) will have basic chemistry texts. It's easiest to look up the information you need on our website and then either go to the library it specifies or request that the item be shipped to the library of your choice (or your dorm if you live on-campus).
