This document provides information and instructions for students on how to find and use library resources at York University. It outlines various ways for students to get research help from subject librarians. It also describes how to search the library catalog to find books, e-journals, and other materials. The document offers tips on using advanced search options and research guides for different subject areas. It provides information on accessing electronic resources remotely, borrowing books from other libraries, evaluating sources, and citing sources properly.

1. Finding Library Resources
EN 1602
The Literary Text : Genres and Approaches
October 8th, 2014
library.yorku.ca

2. Research Help
• Meet with a subject librarian in person.
• Ask a question via email, chat or by
phone.
• Take part in a library workshop to hone
your research skills.
Don’t be shy, we’re here to help!

3. Visit the Library’s homepage
www.library.yorku.ca
1
• Use the catalogue to
search the Library’s
collections.
• Find books, e-books,
journals, newspapers,
videos, and much more.
• Search by keyword, title,
author or subject by
using the drop down
menu.
A quick search provides a fast way
to find items from the Library’s
homepage.

4. Search the catalogue
• The advanced search option allows you
to refine results prior to conducting a
search.
• You can limit your search by publication
date, format, location, and language.

5. Search the catalogue (advanced)
• The advanced search option allows you
to search multiple fields simultaneously.
• You can also use the operators AND, OR,
NOT to combine terms and achieve more
precise results. Remember - Too many
limitations may hinder your
search results.

6. Consult a Research Guide
researchguides.library.yorku.ca
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• Online guides are created by
library staff to share
recommended resources for
your area of study.
English Studies Research Guide
• Read the resource descriptions
to determine whether a
database is suitable.
Multidisciplinary vs. Specialized
• Specialized databases cover a
specific subject, field or format
type (i.e. newspapers).
To find journal articles on a
particular subject, use a
database.

7. Remote access
• Your student card is your library card – use it to
borrow physical library materials.
• You can access the Library’s electronic
collections anytime, anywhere - with an internet
connect and your Passport York credentials.

8. Borrowing from other Libraries
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
• Intercampus loan/ borrowing (ICB) is a service
provided to transport library materials
between the Keele campus libraries and
Glendon.
• Racer/ Interlibrary loan allows you to borrow
materials not available at York from other
academic libraries in Ontario.

9. Evaluate your sources
SPARK- selecting sources
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Criteria Scholarly Sources
Author • Researchers,
experts in a field
Publisher • Often peer-reviewed
Audience • Researchers,
specialists,
academics
Content • Present results of
original research
• Includes references
Language • Specialized
terminology
Peer-reviewed sources have been
approved by a panel of experts prior to
publication.
Ulrich’s International Periodical Directory
SPARK is an e-learning resource
designed to help students
complete academic assignments

10. Cite your sources
Citing Research Guide
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Offers links to resources and
general advice about creating
bibliographies.
• You can find citation style
manuals by searching the
library catalogue.
Citation Management Tools
• Allow you to generate
bibliographies, organize your
research, and share with
others.
Examples:
• Refworks
• Mendeley
• Zotero
Be sure to verify your work,
computers can make mistakes.

11. Feedback
Class Survey
Your opinion matters!
Please take a minute to share your feedback. Your
comments will help us make improvements to future
sessions.
Thank you!
Leigh Jackson, Librarian
Leslie Frost Library
leighj@yorku.ca