| Tarleton State University Libraries |
Unit
4 |
| GETTING
HELP WITH SEARCHES |
 |
|
In
addition to the guidelines in this unit, help with searches
is available through additional means:
| • |
print
search help, |
| • |
online
search help, |
| • |
and
librarian assistance (face-to-face, telephone, and online). |
|
PRINT
SEARCH TOOLS -- WHERE TO FIND HELP
Introductory
or preface material in a print search tool offers instructions for
using the tool along with appropriate diagrams, examples, abbreviations,
and so on.
Consulting this part of a search tool (or other reference tool) before
trying to use it will save time, reduce frustration, and make searches
more fruitful.
 TOP
ONLINE
SEARCH TOOLS -- WHERE TO FIND HELP
Don't
assume that online search tools are all the same. Some tools let you
use boolean operators (and, or, not), but others do not. Some tools
require quotation marks for phrase searches; others require apostrophes.
The differences are numerous.
However, online search tools are similar in that they offer online
searching tips and help screens, which explain ways to refine searches,
show what symbols to use to represent various boolean operators and
phrase indicators (e.g. and, +, not, -, etc.), and give other tips
for using the tool effectively.
The search tools also offer similar search functions and are designed
according to common usage. Therefore, an understanding of the processes
used to define and refine searches, along with the online search tips
should enable you to successfully use online search tools.
TOP
RESEARCH
ASSISTANCE -- ASK A LIBRARIAN
If you
need assistance with your research efforts, do not hesitate to ask
Tarleton librarians for help. They are available in a variety of ways
to help with your research efforts:
| • |
Face-to-face
assistance during library hours
-- Check library
hours for availability. |
| • |
Telephone
assistance
-- Check library
hours for availability.
-- Call the Stephenville campus library (254) 968-9249.
-- Call the Killeen campus library (254) 526-1244. |
| • |
Online
assistance
-- Submit an online Ask
a Librarian form.
-- Email the reference librarians. (See Staff
Directory for addresses.) |
 Setting
Search Limits |
Learning
Activities  |
Library Orientation Site Index
Updated 5/2005
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