Finding resources for your dissertation:

Classics and Ancient History

June 2009 Suzie Kitchin & Christine Purcell

Learning outcomes

After this session you will be able to: discover the range of Classics resources

available be able to search databases and find relevant

material know how best to evaluate material know where to get help

Starting your search

Classics subject pages – launch pad

Library Catalogue – advanced searching

Effective searching (1)

Synonyms e.g. drama, melodrama, tragedy Remember British and American spellings

Eg. humour / humor Wildcards e.g. organi*ation, colo*r AND, OR & AND NOT to join keywords

Effective searching (2)

Truncation eg. drama* (drama, dramas, dramatic etc)

Limits eg. date, language Search options Advanced search option / help Searching advice http://www.dur.ac.uk

/library/using/finding/

Databases & E-books

Databases Web of Knowledge FirstSearch L’Annee philologique

E-books Eg. NetLibrary, Blackwell Reference Online

Internet resources

Accuracy? Currency? Authority? Objectivity? Gateways for pre-evaluated resources

Eg Internet ancient history sourcebook Eg. Intute for Classics

Google Scholar (access via library pages)

References and bibliography

ALWAYS keep a full and accurate record of your information sources

E-mail references to yourself Make sure you refer correctly to other authors

within your work to avoid plagiarism http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/finding/refs/ Check Classics department required style

Working away from Durham

Online resources: access via Library web pages. Enter ITS username and password if prompted

Visiting other libraries SCONUL Access scheme

Register in the Library before you leave Durham

When we don’t have what you need …

Document delivery service http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/borrowing/dds/

Other Library Catalogues Visiting other libraries

SCONUL Access scheme

Support and help

Classics subject pageshttp://www.dur.ac.uk/library/classics/

Literature search advice handout (+ on web pages)

Online enquiries service http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/enquiries/

Academic Support Team Christine Purcell c.w.purcell@dur.ac.uk Suzie Kitchin suzie.kitchin@dur.ac.uk

What now …

Do some research of your own Seek further advice if required Good luck! Any questions?

Please complete online evaluation before logging off your PC

http://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/durham/clajun09