All About Books

Differences in the Academic World

A scholarly book can put your research in perspective.

Books provide information that is more in-depth than journal articles do.

In certain academic research books are the main way scholars communicate.

Sciences vs. HumanitiesIn the sciences (astronomy, physics, medicine, health, etc.) scholarly communication largely takes place in peer-reviewed journals. That’s because scientific information changes rapidly.

Yesterday’s science fact may be outdated by today’s research.

In the humanities (history, philosophy, theology, the fine and performing arts) scholarly communication largely takes place in books.

That’s because new information needs to be placed in context of a history of ideas.

The humanities’ scholars take a broader view in their research.

Old is Gold

Many old books are primary resources providing insight into the times when they were written.

Even in the sciences, old books remain important.

Darwin’s The Origin of Species or the works of Sigmund Freud are still studied today.

Newer the Better

In the sciences information changes quickly.

Science books may be outdated in a very short time.

Locating Books

Again, you’re in luck.

Since you are a college student books can be obtained in and through your campus library.

Start with the Library’s Catalog

First connect to the catalog through the library's website.

Then use the Search form to find books in the Library.

The Physical BookFrom the results list locate the books you want to use.

The call numbers act as an address for the book’s location on the shelf.

Electronic Books

Your library has access to millions of books through their databases and other online resources.

Look for links to• eBrary• EBSCOhost eBooks• EBSCOhost PsycBooks• NCBI Bookshelf• Internet Archive• Google Books

Books Delivered to Your Library

Services line EZ-Borrow allow you to obtain books from some the largest university libraries in the world.

Use a simple search form and then select your book from thousands of titles.

Texts usually arrive within 4 to 5 days.

Go to Where the Book LivesWorldcat.org searches book records from thousands of libraries.

Choose the book of interest, the record reveals libraries that have the book based on your zip code.

Between the CoversScholarly books offer additional information.

Look at footnotes, author’s notes and bibliographies. The writer’s references can lead you to additional resources you might have miss.

Scholarly authors are experts in their field. The resources they used may be very important to your research.

Yes, we still need books?Books, physical and electronic, in all scholarly disciplines still play an important role in the academic world.

They are a source of information unparalleled in their depth and perspective.

Books come in many formats today. But, the content within a book is very much a part of the college research.

Next we’ll look the begin to put this altogether by evaluating your research findings.