Use the library catalog and OhioLINK to search for both physical and Ebooks.
Tutorial Video: Finding books in RioCat
OhioLINK is a consortium of 90 Ohio college and university libraries, plus the State Library of Ohio, that work together to get you the information you need, whenever and wherever you need it.
Use the OhioLINK catalog to search for books that can be requested.
When you find a book, to access the delivery service click on “Request”. Follow the prompts.
Generally: It takes 3 to 5 business days for books to be ready for you to pick-up at Davis Library's Circulation Desk.
"Ready" Status in "My Record" from Davis Library's Homepage indicates materials are at Davis Library's Circulation Desk and ready to be picked up. An email saying "Ready" will also be sent.
Students may have books for three weeks and possibly renew the book six times through "My Record". Charges may be levied for overdue or lost books.
Tutorial Video: Requesting a book via OhioLINK
Below is an example result for a book that can be found in the library. Note the item has a location call number and availability.
Through Davis Library and OhioLINK you have access to thousands of Ebooks. Note the the record below denotes that the item is an online resource.
Article databases are online collections of scholarly articles. These databases allow researchers to search and access a wide range of academic literature, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and periodical, sometimes books or dissertations.
Journals are scholarly publications that contain articles written by researchers, scholars, and experts in specific fields of study. They are published regularly (e.g., monthly, quarterly) and typically undergo a peer-review process to ensure the quality and validity of the research presented. Journals serve as important channels for disseminating new research findings and advancing knowledge within academic and professional communities.
Periodicals refer to any publication issued periodically, such as magazines, newspapers, and journals. In an academic context, "periodical" often specifically refers to scholarly journals and other publications that appear at regular intervals. These periodicals contribute to the ongoing discourse and development of knowledge within their respective fields.
Tutorial Video: Finding Articles in Academic Search Complete
Reference sources are types of resource that provide authoritative, factual information on a specific topic. Examples include encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, atlases, almanacs, and directories. These sources are designed to be consulted for specific information rather than read from cover to cover.
Role in the Research Process:
Initial Stage:
Formulating Research Questions:
Citing Reliable Information:
Quick Facts and Data:
Basic first steps when conducting research in an academic library. For a fuller treatment of the research process visit "Research Process" tab in the side navigation bar.
1. Define Your Topic
Clear Research Question: Focus your topic to identify relevant keywords.
2. Develop Search Strategies
Keywords: Use specific and terms relevant to your topic, include synonyms.
Boolean Operators: Combine (AND), exclude (NOT), or broaden (OR) search terms.
Phrase Searching: Use quotation marks for exact phrases.
Truncation and Wildcards: Use symbols like * or ? for word variations.
3. Access Library Resources
Library Catalog (RioCat): Search for books, e-books, journals.
Databases: Access scholarly articles and journals through databases like Academic Search Complete, CINAHL.
Subject Guides: Use guides tailored to specific disciplines.
4. Evaluate Sources for relevance and reliability, also:
Authority: Check the author’s credentials.
Accuracy: Verify information across multiple sources.
Bias: Identify potential biases.
Currency: Ensure information is up-to-date.
5. Organize Research
Citation Management Tools: Use tools like Zotero or EndNote.
Annotated Bibliographies: Summarize and evaluate sources.
6. Seek Help
Librarians: Ask for assistance with resources and strategies.
Workshops and Tutorials: Participate to enhance skills.
The videos below offer tutorials for conducting both basic and advanced searches in Academic Search Complete.
Data are raw, unprocessed facts and figures collected from observations, experiments, or surveys.
Statistics involve the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data to identify patterns and draw conclusions.
In the research process, data provides the essential information needed to explore research questions, while statistics are used to analyze this data, validate findings, and support conclusions. Together, they enable researchers to make informed decisions, test hypotheses, and contribute to knowledge in their field.