Books provide in-depth information and perspective that is important for academic research. In the sciences, most communication occurs through journals due to rapidly changing information, while in the humanities books are still key due to needing historical context. Old books remain valuable primary sources, even in sciences, though science books may become outdated. College libraries provide access to physical and electronic books through catalogs, databases, and interlibrary loans. Books offer additional references that can lead to more resources for research.

1. All About Books

2. Differences in the Academic World
A scholarly book can put your
research into perspective.
Books provide information
that is more in-depth than
journal articles do.
In certain academic research
books are the main way
scholars communicate.

3. Sciences vs. Humanities
In the sciences (astronomy, physics, medicine, health, etc.) scholarly
communication largely takes place in peer-reviewed journals. That’s
because scientific information changes rapidly.
Yesterday’s science fact may be outdated by today’s research.
In the humanities (history, philosophy, theology,
the fine and performing arts) scholarly
communication largely takes place in books.
That’s because new information needs to be
placed in context of a history of ideas.
The humanities’ scholars take a broader view in
their research.

4. Old is Gold
Many old books are
primary resources
providing insight into the
times when they were
written.
Even in the sciences, old
books remain important.
Darwin’s The Origin of
Species or the works of
Sigmund Freud are still
studied today.

5. Newer the Better
In the sciences information changes quickly.
Many science books may be outdated before they are
published.

6. Locating Books
Again, you’re in luck.
Since you are a college
student books can be
obtained in and through
your campus library.

7. Start with the Library’s Catalog
First connect to the
catalog through the
library's website.
Then use the Search box
to find books in the
Library.

8. The Physical Book
From the results list locate the
books you want to use.
The call numbers act as an address
for the book’s location on the
shelf.

9. Electronic Books
Your library has access to millions
of books through their databases
and other online resources.
Look for links to
• eBrary
• EBSCOhost eBooks
• EBSCOhost PsycBooks
• NCBI Bookshelf
• Internet Archive
• Google Books

10. Go to Where the Book Lives
Worldcat.org searches book
records from thousands of
libraries.
Choose a book and the record
reveals owning libraries based
on your zip code and location.
You can go to the book or
request it delivered to your
library through interlibrary
loan.

11. Books Delivered to Your Library
The interlibrary loan service
EZ-Borrow allows you to obtain
books from some the largest
university libraries in the
world.
Use the simple search box and
then select your book from
thousands of titles.
Texts usually arrive within 3 to
4 days.

12. Between the Covers
Scholarly books offer additional
information.
Look at footnotes, author’s
notes and bibliographies. The
writer’s references can lead you
to additional resources of value
to your research.
Scholarly authors are experts in
their field. The resources they
use may be important to your
research.

13. Books are necessary resources.
Books, physical and electronic, in all
scholarly disciplines still play an
important role in the academic world.
They are a source of information
unparalleled in their depth and
perspective.
Books come in many formats today.
But, the content within a book is very
much a part of the college research.

14. Next we’ll look at evaluating your research findings.
Do the student activity for this lesson.
After that proceed to the next lesson.
Revised Wednesday, February 4, 15.