Table of Contents
Library & Research Basics
Search Techniques and Strategy
An example of combining search terms using Boolean operators:
Library Website Help
Valdosta State University's Odum Library Homepage
Finding Books and Other Materials
Keyword Search
- From the Odum Library Homepage (www.valdosta.edu/library/), click on the Books tab
- In the Search box type in the keywords for your topic.
- Note that the drop-down menu also gives you choices for title, author, and subject heading.
- Click Find to conduct your search.
Advanced Search
- From the Books tab, click on the GIL-FIND@VSU Library Catalog link.
- Select the Advanced Search link at the top of the page to combine search terms and select fields and formats for your search.
Search Results
- Narrow Search results using the options in the left margin.
- Locate the book using the location and call number. You can text the call number from the GIL-Find catalog.
Other options for searching for books
- Classic GIL@VSU Catalog—offers advanced searching in fields such as exact titles, subject headings, locations such as Reference or 3rd Floor Shelves, etc. Also contains a tab for searching Course Reserves.
- GIL Universal Catalog—expands the Classic Gil@VSU catalog to search for and request books from all University System of Georgia libraries.
- GIL-Find Tutorial (video)
- GIL Universal Catalog / GIL Express (guide)
- The GIL Universal Catalog allows you to search for library books across the University System of Georgia. GIL Express allows you to have those books delivered to any USG library within 2-5 days.
- eBooks
- When this page opens, you will see links on the left-hand side of the page to eBooks provided by ebooks from EBSCOhost, ebrary, and the GALE Virtual Reference Library.
- WorldCat Catalog—searches multiple library catalogs from around the world to locate records for books, websites and internet resources, manuscripts, maps, computer programs, musical scores, films and slides, newspapers, journals and magazines, and sound recordings.
Using Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Interlibrary Loan allows you to request articles, books, and other materials from other libraries. You can use ILLiad, our online interlibrary loan system, to get articles in 2-5 days, or books within 2 weeks.
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Reference Materials
Print Reference Materials
You will find print reference sources in both the main reference collection and the "reference alcove." Please ask the Reference Library on duty at the reference desk for assistance in finding materials.
An example of a print reference resource:
Online Reference Materials
An example of an electronic reference resource:
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Journal Article Databases
Selecting a Database
- Go to the library home page (www.valdosta.edu/library/).
- Click on the Articles tab, if it is not already selected.
- Click the arrow for the drop menu located under Articles & Databases by Subject.
Or
- Go to the library home page (www.valdosta.edu/library/).
- Click on the General Databases tab.
- Click the arrow for the drop menu located under Select Database.
NOTE: You will need to login through Anywhere Access or know the GALILEO password if you are off campus.
Recommended Databases for finding articles about current environmental issues (a non-exhaustive list!)
Obtaining the Articles
Many articles within library databases are available full-text. You can save, print, or email the article.
If an article in not available full-text via the database you are using, it might still be available through Odum Library either electronically or in print, as in this sample citation:
Impact of Globalization on the Local Built Environment and the Emergence of Architectural Anarchy in Nigerian Urban Centres: A Case Study of Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Citation Only Available By: Bello, Y.O., D.T.A. Oyedemi, and A. K. Ayinla; Journal of Human Ecology 22.1 (2007). (journal article)
Database: SocINDEX
 --Click on Find It to see if this entire article is available online or in print at the Odum Library.
[If you are trying to access this example from off-campus, make sure that you have first completed the Anywhere Library Access steps.]
A useful diagram describing how to access the full text of articles via the library's databases:
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Evaluating and Presenting Information
These guides will help you distinguish between the different types of information sources, evaluate the sources you find, and present your information in a professional, academic fashion.
Evaluating Sources
Presenting Information
Citation Style Help
Avoiding Plagiarism
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Other Resources
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