The Berkeley library system is arranged by subject. This translates to the focus of individual libraries, how books are shelved, how to the library website arranged, and even how to get help.
Most libraries names tell their story. Doe, Moffitt, and the Gardner Main Stacks (which connects them) share the broadest subject focus in the UCB library system. Because they are named after people, the focus is less immediately apparent.
Unless home is a campus dorm, in order to access many Library resources you must first configure your computer to use one of two simple access methods:
Proxy Server (easiest method) After you make a one-time change in your web browser's settings, allows you to use your CalNet ID to access a licensed resource.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) You install and run the VPN software on your computer. It allows you to log in with a CalNet ID and accesss a licensed resource.
* Note: the majority of the circulating fine arts and classics related collections are housed in the Gardner Stacks. These materials are freely accessible and can generally be borrowed. *
The "right" tool for the job
It's hard to find what you need if you're looking in the "wrong" place. Choose a resource that includes the kinds of materials you need.
Looking for books & articles ? You're likely to need both the library catalog and an article database. Which one, and when, depends.
start with a catalog
if you already have a citation for an item
if you want to find books on a topic
start with an article database
if you need to isolate articles or essays on a topic
Each article database contains a unique aggregate of sources (though, any source may appear in several different databases).
- some databases contain scholarly articles, some magazine literature, some news. Some contain it all. - often include more than articles (chapters in books, etc.)
A few more things you should know about article databases...
- results identify where articles were published (name of publication and any associated volume/issue/date info.) - results do not equal what UCB owns - sometimes results link to article content online - Use UC-eLinks feature when a full text option is not provided
Where's the article?
Many library databases incorporate the UC-eLinks feature. You use it when a result's text is not provided by the database searched. It checks the UC-wide collections to see if the source is available elsewhere...
This free encyclopedia is publicly editable and not a scholarly resource. Because anyone can write or add to an entry, the information may be innacurate or untrue. Through the very structure of its creation, it has dependability issues. Yet, it can still be a useful tool, if used wisely.
Like other encyclopedias, it can be helpful in obtaining topical background, and entries often list sources for further reading (which you can then see if UCB has). Use Wikipedia as a starting point for information you will verify in the course of your research via scholarlysources.
Homepages for specific Libraries | collections
Via the UCB Library website, link to libraries and collections A-Z to visit the homepage of individual libraries or collections. Look for information...
about library or collection
suggested resources (print & electronic)
guides for research/resources
contact information (librarian responsible for that subject area)
Evaluating sources
Research is as credible as the work that goes into it! It's important to analyze the information you find, including where it comes from.
Some research databases contain popular as well as scholarly content. Depending on your needs, you may want to limit results to just scholarly content. You can...
choose a resource that only contains it
if using a resource with mixed content, limit to scholarly material
many General article databases contain news and magazine content in addition of scholarly materials
(see Choosing a resource tab for details on article databases)
Citing sources
Properly citing sources is an important part of your research. It allows you to avoid plagiarism and highlights your engagement with related scholarship.
In a nutshell: "Whenever you quote or base your ideas on another person's work, you must document the source you used. Even when you do not quote directly from another work...."
The above extract is taken from the Library's guide to citing sources. The guide gives an overview of this topic and links to formatting rules for the major citation styles.
* Shortcut: many databases allow you to export citations in a given citation style (MLA, APA, etc.) . This functionality is often found under the email options provided by the database. *
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Doe & Moffitt Reference Desks
Since the UCB libraries are structured by subject, you may wish to seek help from the library specializing in your disciplinary focus.
Doe & Moffitt libraries focus on the arts, humanities and social sciences. Since their subject base is so broad, their reference desks provide generalized research help for the library system.
Your course instructor and the librarian responsible for the Art History Classics Library developed a list of suggested resources for your assignment. You will want to review that list and select those that seem most promising to your needs/topic.
Basics regarding access to resources, and choosing amongst them, is outlined in the Choosing a Resource tab of this guide.
