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- Research Essentials
- Finding Sources in WorldCat
Research Essentials
Introduction
Now that you've chosen your topic, you'll need to start gathering appropriate sources for your research project. Make sure to check your syllabus or ask your teacher to confirm what types of sources are required for the assignment and the number of required sources. For example, do the resources need to be peer reviewed or from within a specific time period? Do you need to cite a certain number of scholarly articles, news articles, or book chapters? How flexible is your professor about using online sources, such as government websites or academic blogs?
After establishing the assignment's parameters, you may start seeking out books, articles, and eBooks using WorldCat and the library's many databases.
Using WorldCat
WorldCat is the database for finding books, articles, and videos in the Iona University Libraries catalog. WorldCat not only searches Iona University Libraries collection, but the collections of other libraries.
If you want an item that Iona doesn't own, request the item through Interlibrary Loan.
The WorldCat search bar is found in the middle of the Libraries home page. While this guide provides an overview of using WorldCat, the Iona WorldCat Research Guide is a thorough introduction to WorldCat, highlighting features of the catalog you can leverage to ease your research. The links below redirect to relevant pages on the Iona WorldCat Research Guide.
More information about citations can be found on the Citing Sources Research Guide.
The video below provides a brief introduction to search filters in WorldCat and finding a book in the library.
Searching the Catalog
How do I find an eBook in Iona WorldCat?
Follow the search steps above. In the "Looking for a" section, click on eBook.
To access an eBook click on View eBook. You will be asked for your Iona network credentials to access many eBooks.
You may also visit eBook databases directly and search by the specific eBook database collection.
What if the library doesn't own the book?
The book record will read "At other libraries worldwide" instead of Available, Iona University Libraries.
Click on the title of the book and then click the maroon Request Item through Interlibrary Loan button located to the right of the book's information, under Access Options.
Fill out the brief form to request the book. You will receive an email if and when the book is available. Please allow at least 7 days for the book to arrive. Requests for recently published textbooks are often denied by other lending libraries. Please visit the Interlibrary Loan policy page for further information.
Note: Partner lending libraries usually do NOT lend eBooks, only print books.
eBook Databases
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new windowEbook versions of encyclopedias and reference works covering most subjects, as well as a collection of classic literature and criticisms.
- eBook Collection on EBSCOhost This link opens in a new windowReference books, scholarly monographs, novels, manuals, etc. available in ebook format.
- ACLS Humanities E-Book (HEB) This link opens in a new windowEbooks in the humanities representing disciplines such as politics, history, philosophy, religion, literature, etc
- Skillport (Books 24x7) This link opens in a new windowEbooks and streaming video from the following collections: BusinessPro, covering business skills, management and strategy; Executive Summaries; and IT and Desktop Videos, which are short, 3-5 minutes in length, on-demand instructional videos covering a variety of topics geared toward learners that already have some familiarity with the software or hardware.
- JSTOR This link opens in a new windowScholarly journals and ebooks in the humanities, social sciences, and business. Journal coverage generally ends 3-5 years before the current year.
- OAPEN (Open Access) This link opens in a new windowOAPEN is dedicated to open access, peer-reviewed books. The Knowledge Unlatched (KU) collection available on the platform contains over 4000 titles covering topics in the Humanities (History, Philosophy, Religious Studies), Social Sciences (Politics, Psychology) and Business from scholarly publishers including Duke University Press, University of Michigan Press, and University Press of Colorado.
- Directory of Open Access eBooks This link opens in a new windowPortal to discover peer reviewed books published under an Open Access license. Provided by the Open Access Publishing in European Networks (OAPEN) Foundation.
- Springer Open This link opens in a new windowThis portal searches a collection of fully open-access peer-reviewed journals, as well as some open-access ebooks which are available through Springer.
- Very Short Introductions: History This link opens in a new windowVery Short Introductions are ebooks that offer concise introductions to a diverse range of subject areas.
- Very Short Introductions: Politics This link opens in a new windowVery Short Introductions are ebooks that offer concise introductions to a diverse range of subject areas.
- Eighteenth Century Collections Online This link opens in a new windowEbooks, pamphlets, essays, broadsides published in the UK during the 18th century.
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5-TR) This link opens in a new windowEbook version of this standard diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals.
- Overdrive This link opens in a new windowOverdrive lets you borrow digital content to include ebooks. Download the Overdrive app to your Apple, Android, Kindle Fire HD, or Chromebook.
Public Library eBooks
Many public libraries have eBooks available, for research as well as beach reads. Even if you are not a New York state resident, all students and people employed in New York state are eligible to apply for public library access.
Online catalogs for Westchester County and New York City are linked below, along with links to apply for a library card.
For Connecticut residents, check your local town's Public Library website as well as the CT State Library website listed below:
- CT State Library - eGo App Download app. When you open app, select the name of your hometown library.
For New Jersey residents, check your local town's Public Library website for eBooks and information on how to obtain a library card information.
- Last Updated: Nov 12, 2024 11:14 AM
- URL: https://guides.iona.edu/researchessentials
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