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This session aims to equip you with essential skills for finding quality resources for your dissertation in Classics and Ancient History. Learn how to navigate the Library’s tools effectively and discover who to contact for further assistance. The format includes a brief overview of academic material searching, a demonstration of key resources, and hands-on practice for your dissertation research. You'll also have the chance to ask questions and gain advice tailored to your needs. Join us to enhance your research capabilities and make the most of available resources.
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Finding resources for your dissertation: Classics & Ancient History Richard Holmes & Amy Russell March 2014
Aims of the session To help you: • Find relevant resources for your dissertation • Make the most of the Library’s tools and resources • Know who to contact for further help
Format of the session The session will involve: • A brief overview of finding quality academic material on your subject • A demonstration of some key resources • A chance for you to begin searching for information for your dissertation • An opportunity to ask for help and advice when researching
The Library Catalogue – What is it? • Collection of records describing the Library’s holdings • Each record contains bibliographic/descriptive information about a specific item • Bibliographic = e.g. title, author, publisher, publication year • Description = e.g. number of pages, physical dimensions, additional notes • Many feature an abstract/summary • Does not search or contain full text
The Library Catalogue – Limitations Consequently: • Good for finding articles? • Good for finding relevant book chapters? • Good for finding theses/conference papers? • Good for finding other libraries’ holdings?
The Library Catalogue – Benefits • Getting started with your research • Performing a ‘scoping’ search • Checking local holdings & availability
Useful Features • Basic & Advanced search screens • ‘Modify Search’ button • Keyword search – broad/speculative • Field searching – narrow/focused • Author • Classmark • Subject • Save/export records • View borrowing history (requires activation)
Remember… You can recall books not due back for ages (even if your teacher has them!!!) Use limits and filters to narrow/focus your results (exclude those pesky College Library books)
Obtaining items outside Durham • Use UK-wide COPAC catalogue • http://www.copac.ac.uk • Visiting other universities e.g. Newcastle and Northumbria • Check their catalogues: http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/resources/online/catalogues/ • Access to other libraries • SCONUL Access Scheme • http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/otherlibraries/ • Document Delivery Service • http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/borrowing/dds/