Accessing Online Resources

• Go to the online resources page of your choice. You may either begin with the online card catalog, FriendLiCat, or go to the General Resources page. It does not matter if you are accessing from an on-campus or off-campus computer or which Internet service provider (ISP) you are using – you should be able to access the resources.

How to Use the FriendLiCat Handout:

• Once you are on a subject resource page such as General or Fine Arts, select the database you need. If you are not sure which database suits your needs, select the INFO button (next to the link) to view a popup window with a brief summary of what each database covers. The popup window generally answers the following questions: Is it full text? Is it an index? Is it an informational database? What subjects does it cover? What years does it cover? These INFO buttons operate with JavaScript, so make sure you have a JavaScript-compliant browser.
• Click on the name to access the database of your choice.
• If you are utilizing a Friends University computer terminal, clicking on the database link should take you directly into the database. If you are accessing a database from a computer that is part of the Friends network (in the computer labs, faculty offices, staff offices, a classroom, the Topeka lab or a wireless laptop lab, for example), the first time you select a database a logon screen will pop up. You will need to input your Friends username and password.

Search Tips
Always try to use the basic research steps below when engaging in research. Generally, to search for information resources in the Edmund Stanley Library, you will need to:

• Check Library of Congress subject headings, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc., for keywords or topic summaries to help you define your search.
• Check out FriendLiCat to see if the library owns or subscribes to any materials relevant to your topic.
• Check the subject Web pages for indexes and catalogs specific to your search area.
• Check the general (on navigation bar) Web page for general subject coverage in full-text and reference databases.
• Check the resources Web page for a complete listing (more than 120 databases) of all proprietary online resources.
• If you locate a resource you need and we do not own or subscribe to it, you can still request resources via interlibrary loan.

The Basic Research Tips

1. Task Definition
   
   • 1.1 Define the information problem
   • 1.2 Identify information needed in order to complete the task (to solve the information problem)
2. Information-Seeking Strategies
   
   • 2.1 Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm)
   • 2.2 Evaluate the different possible sources to determine priorities (select the best sources)
3. Location and Access
   
   • 3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)
   • 3.2 Find information within sources
4. Use of Information
   
   • 4.1 Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch) the information in a source
   • 4.2 Extract relevant information from a source
5. Synthesis
   
   • 5.1 Organize information from multiple sources
   • 5.2 Present the information
6. Evaluation
   
   • 6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)
   • 6.2 Judge the information problem-solving process (efficiency)

Navigation Tips

• Click on the database name to enter. (This step is the same whether you are on-campus or off-campus and regardless of what Internet service provider you are using.) Be sure to exit the database properly when done.
• Click on the INFO button to find out briefly what each database does. The popup box generally answers some or most of the following questions: Is it full text? Is it an index? Is it an informational database? What subject does it cover? What years does it cover? These INFO buttons operate with JavaScript, so make sure you have a JavaScript-compliant browser before clicking.
• If you are accessing a database from a computer at Friends University (computer labs, faculty office, staff office, classroom, Topeka lab, etc.), the first time you click on a database a logon screen will pop up. Enter your Friends University password and username.

Ask Max

• An online reference assistant is now available from the Public Services Librarian of the Edmund Stanley Library: Max Burson. Send an e-mail to AskMax@friends.edu to submit a reference question.
• The AskMax e-mail account will be checked regularly during reference service hours for new requests. During the work week users will receive a response within 48 hours.
• All requests must include:

1. Name
2. E-mail address or other valid contact information
3. Your academic program or class
4. Telephone number at home/work and a time to call

• For urgent requests/questions, call the library at 316-295-5880.