introduction to the library : archaeology resources (2)

Introduction to the library : Archaeology Resources (2)

Nicola Conway

October 2011

Aims of the sessionTo help you: • Identify and find relevant resources for your research• Use the library effectively, and make the most of our services

and resources • Know who to contact for help

Format:• Demonstration of resources• Handout

Subject Specific Support: http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/archaeology/

Effective searchingIdentify keywords from your topic:

“Investigate excavations of Neolithic sites in the Balkans”

Advanced searching techniques:• Synonyms: excavation OR dig ; Neolithic OR stone age• Truncation: excavat* (to retrieve excavate, excavations,

excavated etc.)• Phrases: “Stone Age”• Wildcards: colo?r to locate colour or color• Joining Words: AND, OR, NOT

Effective searching (2)• Limits

– Year / language• Combine searches:

– (Neolith* OR “stone age”) AND excavat* • Advanced search option / help• Searching advice:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/finding/

The library catalogue: advanced features

• Save searches • Add items to basket and email results • Receive notifications when new items are

added into stock

Online resourcesWhich online resource?• Databases

– Journal Articles– E-books– Conference Papers– Theses

Online resources (2)• E-theses at Durham

– Electronic versions of Durham theses passed after 1st October 2009 as well as selected theses dating back to 1938

– Service enabling you to borrow printed theses is currently suspended in order to scan the entire collection

• Research repositories– DRO at Durham

• Image Collections• E-books

Searching online databases• Search a wide range of material• Some provide full text

– JSTOR• Some only provide bibliographic information

– Web of Knowledge– Can use ConneXions to see if Durham subscribes to the

content• No single database will cover everything

Obtaining items outside of Durham• Visiting other universities e.g. Newcastle and Northumbria

– Check their catalogues: http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/resources/online/catalogues/

• Access to other libraries – SCONUL Access Scheme – http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/otherlibraries/

• Document Delivery Service– http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/borrowing/dds/

Review your results• Are your results useful?

– Do you need to change your keywords or search in a different database?

– Use one record to find similar useful resources• Evaluate the quality of your sources

– particularly if they are found on the internet• Keep references

– e-mail yourself useful references

References and Bibliographies

• Always keep a full and accurate record of your information sources

• Use the Library Catalogue and online databases to e-mail references for saving

• Make sure you refer correctly to other authors within your work

• Avoid plagiarism

Where to get further help• Help and Information Point on Level 2• Online enquiries form:

– http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/enquiries/

• Subject information pages:– http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/archaeology/

• Academic Support Team:– Nicola Conway – Archaeology Liaison Librarian

Any Questions

Nicola Conway:nicola.conway@durham.ac.uk