Conducting Dissertation Research: Accessing Libraries
Sunday, December 20th, 2009Library is generally the most reliable and commonly used research platform when conducting dissertation research. The authorization and reliability of the source derived from a library is certain as libraries evaluate resources for authority and quality before acquiring them. A dissertation writer therefore must be adept at using the libraries and the services it offers, effectively and productively.
A modern academic library typically offers resources both in print and electronically. A vast literature is available in form of non print media like films, recordings etc, or as computer documents in word processors, which can be accessed not only through the computer terminals around the campus but also on the world wide web.
You may begin with your research in a library by following the steps below.
Find the appropriate libraries: The primary resource for your dissertation research might be your college or university library, but you may not find all the required research literature at a single place. You may have to visit other academic and public libraries in the course of your research. The first step however is to find the library that holds the required research material. For example if you are writing a dissertation on American literature, you are more likely to find resource materials in the American resource central libraries than a British one.
Gaining access into the specified libraries: Access to institutional and government libraries are not open to all. You may have to find out about the subscription or membership schemes to enroll yourself and gain an access.
Find out the services and resources the library offers: Apart from the resources available in the library building, the library might have a number of electronic resources, such as bibliographic and full text databases, that are accessible via internet. Keep a note of all the services offered by the library to make the utmost use of it. Most academic libraries have programs of orientation and instruction to meet the needs of all students.
Making effective use of the library Catalogs: The library catalog holdings differ from libraries to libraries. Some academic libraries provide a central information system, while others have catalogs in form of print. The catalogs are organized and can be searched with the author’s name or title of the book.
Taking help of the library staff: The library staff is a valuable resource. If you have any inquiries regarding the resources, feel free to ask them. Some libraries have subject specialists who are a great resource when you have to make detailed enquiry regarding your research subject in dissertation writing.
Photocopying, issuing and inter-loans facilities: Many libraries have self-service photocopiers which can be used by the research scholars. If You find a book useful, you may issue it with an issue card issued by the library. Some libraries also have an inter loans facility, if a book, journal or a research article is not available in a particular library, it is possible for the library to obtain a book or photocopy it for you from the other library. To make use of theses facilities, keep yourself aware of the facilities offered by the various libraries.
