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Gathering, Sorting, and Sifting
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 Using Nonfiction
Books
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For specific information on topics, nonfiction books can be
useful sources. Locating the books and the information within the books
depend on effective research skills.
Locating Nonfiction Books
Browsing the shelves can help you to locate nonfiction
books on your topic; however, using an automated catalog can save time and
help ensure a more thorough search.
Tips for Automated Catalog
Searching Within Your School Library
- Start the program by clicking
on the appropriate icon, e.g. Library
Pro.
- Follow directions for logging on to the automated
catalog, e.g. for Library Pro, select the "Guest" box.
- It is usually easiest to find information using keyword
searching, e.g. in Library
Pro, select the "Keyword" icon.
- Use the call numbers in your results list to find
the books on the shelves.
Online Searching Using the
Baltimore County Public Library Online
Catalog
Access
CARLweb, the database of books and other materials available
at the public library. Follow directions to search the catalog and check
the availability of the book(s) at the various branches.
Previewing and Evaluating Potential Usefulness of Nonfiction
Books
- Always consider the title of the book carefully.
The title of a nonfiction book usually conveys the scope and coverage of
its contents. For example, a book entitled The History of American Music
will most likely contain some information about music during the
Civil War time period.
- Check the book for an index. The index will pinpoint
the topics contained in the book and give exact page numbers. Use as many
key words and synonyms for your topic as you can when you
examine the index.
- If the book has no index, or after examining the index,
skim the table of contents. If a chapter seems promising, skim that
chapter for subheadings or key words within the text that may relate to
your topic.
