Research help

• Research Basics
• How do I start a research paper or project?
• What is a scholarly journal?
• What is the difference between primary and secondary sources?
• How do I find scholarly/quality resources on the Internet?
• How do I evaluate Web pages?
• What do all those library words mean? ("Stacks," Periodicals," etc.)
  

Locating materials & resources

• How do I find a book at Benedictine?
  • At another I-SHARE library?
  • At libraries other than an I-SHARE library?
• How do I find journal articles?
  • How do I use Find it @ BU?
  • How do I know if Benedictine has a particular journal or newspaper title?
• How do I find videos or DVDs?
• How do I find U.S. Government Documents?
• How do I find Illinois State documents?
• How do I find theses & dissertations (completed at Benedictine & elsewhere)?
• Where can I find pros & cons on a topic or issue?
• Where can I find statistics?
• How can I find images, photos & graphics to use in my presentations?
• Where can I learn more about using specific databases?
• How can I use Google Scholar to find articles in the Benedictine Library?

Off-campus access

• How do I log in from off campus?
• What is my library ID number?
• What should I do if I'm having trouble connecting from off campus?
• What information do WebFlex/online students need to use the library?

Reserves & course support

• How do I find out what's on reserve for my class?
• Where do I go to check out reserve items?
• How long can I check out reserve items? Can I take them out of the library?
• How do I access e-reserves:
  • Instructions in Word format
  • Instructions in Acrobat format
  
  

Writing & citing

• Benedictine University's Writing Program (includes student resources, course materials & useful Web sites): http://www.ben.edu/programs/centers_institutes/writing
• How do I cite books, journal articles and other materials in my paper?

RefWorks

• Click here to log in to RefWorks
• Introduction to RefWorks (PowerPoint slides)
• What is Refworks?
• How do I use RefWorks?
• How can I export citations from specific databases into RefWorks?
• PowerPoint demos:
  • Introduction to RefWorks
• How do I export a formatted bibliography out of RefWorks?
• How do I export a formatted paper & bibliography out of RefWorks?
• How do I use Refworks' Write-N-Cite?

For faculty

• How do I order materials for the library's collections?
• How do I place material on reserve for my class?
• How do I request a library instruction session or library tour for my class?
• What is RefWorks?
  • How do I use RefWorks?
  • How can I export citations from specific databases into RefWorks?

• Where is the library located?
• What are the library's hours?
• I'm not affiliated with the University. Can I use the library?
• Can I get a tour of the library?
• Who can I ask for help?
• Which call numbers and materials are on which floors?
• How do I use the compact shelving on the 3rd floor?
• Can I bring food and drinks into the library?
• Where is there a quiet area to study?

Circulation services

• Do I need a library card?
• What is my library ID number?
• How do I check out materials from the library?
• How long can I keep materials?
• How do I see what I have checked out?
• How do I renew materials I've checked out?

Interlibrary loan services

• How do I borrow materials from another library?
• How do I request materials on interlibrary loan?
  • How do I request a book in I-SHARE on interlibrary loan?
  • How do I request a book in WorldCat on interlibrary loan?
  • How do I request an article in an EBSCOhost database on interlibrary loan?
  • How do I request an article in a FirstSearch database on interlibrary loan?
  • How do I request a book or article in Findit@BU on interlibrary loan?
• How long do interlibrary loans take?
• How do I follow up on interlibrary loan requests?
• Where do I pick up interlibrary loan items?
• What if I need materials the library doesn't have, and there isn't time to use interlibrary loan?

Study rooms

• Where are the study rooms? Who can use them?
• How do I reserve a study room?
• How do I reserve a study room with a computer or VHS player/TV in it?

Computers, photocopiers & other equipment

• Where are computers located in the library?
  • Do all computers have Word, Excel, etc. on them?
• Do I need a login to use library computers?
  • How do I get a login?
• Where are printers located?
  • Is there a charge for printing?
• Does the library have scanners?
• What type of assistive computing technologies does the library have?
• Where can I get help using computers or software?
• Where are photocopiers located?
  • What do copies cost?
  • How do I purchase a copy card?
  • What if I only need to make a few copies?
• How do I use the microfilm & microfiche reader/printers? What is the charge for printing from them?
• Where does the library have VHS & DVD players?

Archives & Special Collections

• What kinds of materials are in ASC?
• I am looking for a specific photograph...
• Can I have a copy made of a specific item?
• Can I donate my collection of personal papers?

Miscellaneous

• How do I apply for a job at the library?
• How can I donate materials to the library?
• How can I request that the library purchase a particular book, video or other item?