This document provides an introduction to using the Durham University Libraries. It outlines four main aims: 1) How to borrow and return books, 2) Understanding requirements of English academic questions, 3) Creating effective search strategies, and 4) Finding books and journal articles. It then discusses key aspects of each aim, such as what different terminology in questions requires, identifying search keywords, using the library catalog and databases to search, and properly citing sources. The overall document serves as a guide for new students on utilizing library resources at Durham University.

1. Introduction to Durham
University Libraries
Richard Holmes July / August 2014

2. Aims of this session
1) Show you how to borrow and return library books
2) Help you understand the requirements of English
academic questions
3) Show you how to create a search strategy
4) Help you find books and journal articles

3. English academic questions
• Show a wide knowledge of the subject
(important authors and theories, different
opinions and perspectives)
• Present your opinions and support them
with evidence

4. Terminology – what do you have to do?
“assess…” “critically evaluate”
“discuss…” “outline different...”
“to what extent…” “what should…”
“how important…”
These are asking you to make a judgement or
give an opinion based upon what you have read

5. Sample questions
• Bilingual Education is beneficial for
Individuals and Societies. Discuss.

6. Sample questions
• Bilingual Education is beneficial for
Individuals and Societies. Discuss.

7. How to search: keywords
• Identify key words and phrases
Bilingual, education, benefit,
• Think of alternative words (synonyms)
for each:
 Bilingual / multilingual
 Education / teaching / learning
 Benefit / advantage

8. Where to search
• Library Catalogue http://library.dur.ac.uk
• Full text databases (e.g. JSTOR)
• Citation Databases (e.g. Web of Science)
• Find other relevant search tools from your
subject information page

9. Finding a specific book
• http://library.dur.ac.uk/
• Select ‘Author & Title’
• Type in author’s family name + one or two
words from the title
• Click on ‘search’
• Check availability
• Note shelfmark

10. Finding books on your subject
• http://library.dur.ac.uk/
• Click on ‘keyword’
• Type in your search words,
e.g. bilingual and education
• Click on ‘search’
• Look through results and write down shelfmarks
and titles of useful books (or tick the boxes and
print them out)

11. If you cannot find your book
Books may be missing or all copies are out:
• Recall one of the copies
• Find an alternative:
– Other editions
– Other titles by same author
– Browse shelf for other books with the same
classmark

12. Finding a specific article
• Select ‘Title’ from the drop-down menu
• Type the title of the journal (not the article
title) into the search box
• Follow link[s] to the journal’s homepage
• Find the volume and issue you need
• Find the article in the contents list for that
issue

13. Finding articles on your subject
• Identify key words and phrases to describe your
subject
• Go to the Library homepage
• Click on Databases (left of screen)
• Click on Web of Science (right of screen)
• Type your key words into the search boxes
• Identify the articles that look relevant
• Click on Connexions to check for availability in
our collections

14. References and bibliographies
• ALWAYS keep a full and accurate record
of your information sources
• Set up your borrowing history
immediately
• Use the Library Catalogue to save or
email details of the books you use

15. Where to go for help
• Help & Information Desk in Main Library
• Enquiry service:
http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/enquiries
• Subject pages and Liaison Librarian contacts
https://www.dur.ac.uk/library/resources/subject/