When searching for information . . .

Our databases operate through a proxy server, and require user authentication. You *should* already have a username and password; if not, contact Information Systems (318) 357-5594.

If you have problems accessing, searching, or evaluating any information, email Michael Matthews at matthewsm@nsula.edu, or ask a reference librarian at (318) 357-4574 or toll-free at 800-540-9687 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. CST.

Searching   Databases operate according to Boolean logic (and, or, not). The best way to search is using the “advanced search” function that allows you to parse your search terms in separate boxes, and link them with the Boolean operator of your choice. The “basic search” function for most databases is simply that, and your search results will be inflated and off-target.

Full-text    All full-text articles will be available in either HTML or PDF format. If you have a fast Internet connection, use PDF. PDF is an Adobe product, and a free reader download is available here: www.adobe.com. If you download and print an article in HTML, it will not include charts, graphs,
diagrams, or photographs, it will be just plain text.

All of these databases provide you the option to SAVE specific citations to a folder. It is a good idea to save your preferred citations and either email them to yourself or copy them to a disk. You will be able to manage your research results more effectively, and won’t have to use note cards.

NSU Journal List   If you find a citation to an article which is NOT available in full-text format, use the NSU Journal list at: www.nsula.edu/watson_library.   Use the ADVANCED SEARCH function located at the top right of the page. Once you are on the advanced search page, you can easily find NSU journal holdings by using the TITLE search function.

Keywords    During searches, you may notice keywords or phrases that are associated within each of the records. Some databases refer to them as “descriptors” or “subjects”. Carefully note these words and phrases and use the most relevant ones in future searches.

Library Guides   We recommend using the library guides page at http://www.nsula.edu/watson_library/lib_guides/  This is a good resource if you would like to know what subject specific sources are available in the library itself. We can answer reference questions for you over the phone or via email, and these guides will give you a better idea of what we have in certain subjects.

Interlibrary Loan    Our interlibrary loan service will deliver articles to your email account. Click on http://www.nsula.edu/watson_library/illform.html for more details. We can only send you electronic documents via the interlibrary loan service.  If you need a three-dimensional object such as a book, dissertation, or a reel of microfilm, delivery times will be significantly longer. Our courier service can deliver MOST in-state items within 5 working days. We rely upon the United States postal service for all other deliveries.

The Interlibrary Loan office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is staffed by Jackie Hawkins. If you have a question about interlibrary loan contact Jackie at jacquelinem@nsula.edu, or call 357-5474. After hours, call the reference desk.  Remember: You can pick up your interlibrary loan anytime the library is open. Go to the reference desk and ask the librarian on duty to help you.

netLibrary    We subscribe to netLibrary, a company that provides us with books in electronic format. You can see how many NetLibrary books we have by selecting the ADVANCED SEARCH function of the catalog. The ADVANCED SEARCH link is located beneath the "library catalog" box on the Watson Library page at www.nsula.edu/watson_library 

Once there, you can search for e-books by selecting “E-Book” from the drop down list labeled TYPE near the bottom of the page. REMEMBER: You will have to search for an e-book first, go to the
individual record, and then click on the Internet address located at the bottom of the record page. Once there, you can set-up your free account. You should see the AMIGOS and the Northwestern State University library logo on the NetLibrary page.   You can also access NetLibrary from our database page at  http://www.nsula.edu/watson_library/database/ .

For more information go to the “Library Services for Faculty Handbook” at:
http://www.nsula.edu/watson_library/facultyhandbook_2003.pdf