Library Catalogs

As we move on to Week 5 (we are more than half the way through the course!!), you will be taking a look at another kind of database, library catalogs. In this kind of database, you locate mainly books and often non-print materials that are located in a particular library OR e-books (often a library will subscribe to a SEPARATE online database of subscription e-books and link it to the print book catalog). Library catalogs are the most TRADITIONAL kind of library database in that the structure is based very much on the old card catalog withe of course additional "access" points such as keyword (title, author keyword). You are welcome to use any of the suggested library catalogs to search for books or PARTS of books that may contain information in support of your focused working thesis. The MCTC book catalog (WebPals) has recently undergone some changes in its interface. Problems may still exist in searching. A link is provided to "classic" Mnpals (the old interface) which does have some features that I tend to like better like the ability to browse for your subject headings under the "BROWSE" link.

Be alert to the "interactive" features of these catalogs such as the ability to view and write book reviews.You are asked to EVALUATE the books you locate based on SPECIFIC criteria - a handout is provided in CONTENT on evaluating your books. You will be able to link to other review sources such as the reviews that are available in Amazon.com. These reviews will help you evaluate your books.

Remember that books are books - published once with content that becomes dated fast. If you not able to view the PRINT books in a library, pay attention to the contents notes (if available) that summarize the content and to the subject headings appropriate to the book in order to determine if the book is appropriate.