Step 3:

Step Three

Gathering, Sorting, and Sifting 2

Using Print Resources

There are a variety of print sources available. You should look for books in the nonfiction section and the reference section. To locate these sources efficiently, you should use the card catalog or automated catalog. You can also search the catalog of the Baltimore County Library remotely using the Internet.

Searching the Automated Catalog

Using Reference Sets

Launch the automated catalog per your local school instructions. Determine the scope of the set by examining the title, number of volumes, and arrangement of information. Look for introductions and keys usually located inside the front of each volume.

Choose Search by Subject or Keyword. Use the index for the volume or set to look up key words for your topic.

Enter the key words for your topic. Remeber that the page location may include a volume number.

Scan your list of "hits" for the most appropriate materials. Locate the appropriate volume (if a multi-volume set) and page.

Record or print the call number, author and title for each appropriate title. Scan the page to determine where the information is located.

Locate the titles on the shelf.

Searching Using the BCPL Online Catalog

Click on the link at the end of these instructions to access the Baltimore County Public Libary WOW Web.
Once there, click on the Baltimore County Public Library Catalog button, which looks like this:

Type your topic or keyword in the rectangle next to "Enter Search Terms". Leave the setting on "Keyword" under "Choose search type". Click the "Enter" button.
Scroll down on the next screen to find your results list. Click on the highlighted title of any source in the list that seems appropriate for your topic.
Skim the bibliographic entry by scrolling down. Decide if this might be an appropriate resource for your topic, and if so, check to see which branches own the book and have it on their shelves.
Call that branch to reserve the book, follow the directions on the screen to hold the book using your library card, or visit the branch to pick it up.
Click here if you would like to access the Baltimore County Public Library WOW Web.

Searching Using the BCPL Online Catalog
	Click on the link at the end of these instructions to access the Baltimore County Public Libary WOW Web. Once there, click on the Baltimore County Public Library Catalog button, which looks like this: Type your topic or keyword in the rectangle next to "Enter Search Terms". Leave the setting on "Keyword" under "Choose search type". Click the "Enter" button. Scroll down on the next screen to find your results list. Click on the highlighted title of any source in the list that seems appropriate for your topic. Skim the bibliographic entry by scrolling down. Decide if this might be an appropriate resource for your topic, and if so, check to see which branches own the book and have it on their shelves. Call that branch to reserve the book, follow the directions on the screen to hold the book using your library card, or visit the branch to pick it up. Click here if you would like to access the Baltimore County Public Library WOW Web.

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 A History of World War II will probably include information on the Holocaust. 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.



Steps in the Research Process: Next | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven |

	Using Print Resources
	There are a variety of print sources available. You should look for books in the nonfiction section and the reference section. To locate these sources efficiently, you should use the card catalog or automated catalog. You can also search the catalog of the Baltimore County Library remotely using the Internet.

Searching the Automated Catalog	Using Reference Sets
Launch the automated catalog per your local school instructions.	Determine the scope of the set by examining the title, number of volumes, and arrangement of information. Look for introductions and keys usually located inside the front of each volume.
Choose Search by Subject or Keyword.	Use the index for the volume or set to look up key words for your topic.
Enter the key words for your topic.	Remeber that the page location may include a volume number.
Scan your list of "hits" for the most appropriate materials.	Locate the appropriate volume (if a multi-volume set) and page.
Record or print the call number, author and title for each appropriate title.	Scan the page to determine where the information is located.
Locate the titles on the shelf.

		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 A History of World War II will probably include information on the Holocaust.
		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.

Searching Using the BCPL Online Catalog

Previewing and Evaluating Potential Usefulness of Nonfiction Books