Durham University Library. Powerpoint slides used in June 2014 Library workshops with Theology & Religion students

1. Finding resources for your
Theology & Religion
dissertation
June 2014

2. Learning Outcomes
After this workshop you will be able to:
– Select the most appropriate resources for
your topic
– Effectively search catalogues and
bibliographical databases
– Search full-text sources
– Find out about using other libraries
– Know where to go for further advice

3. Planning your search
• Research strategy (see handout)
• Consider scope of research
• What kind of information are you looking for ?
• Keywords and synonyms

4. Effective searching
• Truncation, eg. Bibl* (bible, biblical etc)
• Wildcards, eg. Organi?ation, counsel#ing)
– Useful for British / American differences
• Subject headings
– In Library catalogue, databases

5. Resources (1)
• Advanced features on library catalogue
– Keyword searching
– Modifying your search
– Marking records
– Use of AND, OR, AND NOT
• Access the Theology Subject pages at
http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/theology/as a starting
point
– Internet gateways

6. Resources (2)
• Databases
– ATLA Religion with
Serials
– Index Religiosus
– FirstSearch
– Web of Science
– JSTOR
– Google Scholar
• News archives
– Infotrac
– Newsvault, incl.
Times Digital
Archive, 1785-2008
• Image databases
– Bridgeman
– Britannica

7. When you’re away from Durham (1)
Accessing online resources
• Full text sources
– ConneXions link from databases
– E-journals
– E-books, e.g.
• Blackwell Reference Online
• Cambridge Companions Online
• Oxford Scholarship Online – Religion
Find e-resources in the library catalogue

8. When you’re away from Durham (2)
Using other libraries
• Other library catalogues including Copac
• SCONUL Access scheme:
“Members of Durham University are allowed
access to academic libraries across the UK and
Ireland as part of an access agreement called
SCONUL Access. This means you could use a
local academic library in your home town for study
during the vacation”.

9. Saving your references
• Library catalogue & databases
– Emailing results
• Databases
– Save searches & re-run them
• Endnote
– Bibliographic management software
• CIS Guide 92

10. Help and support
• Theology Subject pages
• Other subject pages
• Research strategy handout
• Online enquiries service
http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/enquiries/
• Liaison Librarian
– Christine Purcell c.w.purcell@dur.ac.uk
• 0191 334 2937

11. Practical and individual support
• Time to explore resources for your
dissertation
• Individual chats
• Any questions – please ask