Using Books and Nonprint

For specific information on topics, nonfiction books and nonprint can be useful sources. Locating resources and the information within those resources depend on effective research skills.

 

Locating Books and Nonprint

Browsing the shelves can help you to locate books and nonprint resources 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 and nonprint resources on the shelves.

 


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.



    Previewing and Evaluating Potential Usefulness of Nonprint Resources
  • Before previewing a nonprint resource, consider its format. Do you have access to the equipment needed to preview the resource? Will that format be helpful to you for your topic? For example, if your task is to create a poster about the battle of Gettysburg, will a record or audio tape of Civil War music be the most useful resource?
  • Always consider the title of the nonprint resource carefully. The title usually conveys the scope and coverage of its contents. For example, a video entitled Wildlife of North America will most likely contain some information about animals in Canada.

 

Online Searching Using the Baltimore County Public Library Online Catalog

 

 

Access BCPL Catalog, 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.