23 Library Research Tools and When to Use Them
Throughout this module, we have referred to various library research tools, but we have not discussed when to use them. Learning which tools to use at the various stages of your research is also another strategy for finding the sources best suited to your assignment, and will decrease the amount of time you spend looking.
(Click the tools below for an image of their search interfaces.)
| Tool | What’s in it? | When should I use it? |
| Summon | Everything the library has in its collection:
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Start here when you are new to your topic or assignment. Summon is great for seeing the breadth of what is available on your subject. |
| Catalogue | Almost everything the library has in its collection, except articles
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Use this when you know you are looking for a book or ebook, or when you are looking for a specific title. You will NOT find journal articles here. The catalogue does not have the full-text of items, but many books will have a table of contents. |
| Article Database | Specialized or multi-disciplinary
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Use a database when you know you need peer reviewed journal content. Learn which databases are focussed on particular subjects. |
| Google Scholar |
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While not technically a library tool, Google Scholar with its Library Links feature will bring you results from beyond the library’s collection as well as subscribed content. Ask us how to enable this feature. NEVER pay for articles! |
ACTIVITY: Which Research Tool is Best?
Pick which tool would best serve the research need. Click the arrow to answer the next question.