What are the best practices for patrons to find resources without relying on reference services?

1 Know your information needs

The first step to finding resources without relying on reference services is to know what kind of information you need and why. This will help you narrow down your topic, identify your keywords, and select the appropriate sources and tools. For example, if you are looking for current news on a global issue, you may want to use online databases, newspapers, or websites that provide reliable and timely information. If you are looking for historical or cultural perspectives on a topic, you may want to use books, journals, or archives that offer more depth and context. Knowing your information needs will also help you determine the scope and quality of the resources you find and evaluate them accordingly.

2 Use the library catalog and website

The library catalog and website are your gateways to the library's collections and services. They can help you find resources without relying on reference services by providing access to books, ebooks, journals, databases, and other materials that the library owns or subscribes to. You can use the catalog and website to search by title, author, subject, keyword, or other criteria, and to filter, sort, and refine your results. You can also use the catalog and website to check the availability and location of the items, request or renew them, and access online resources. The library catalog and website may also offer features such as user accounts, lists, reviews, recommendations, and links to related resources that can enhance your search experience.

3 Use online databases and search engines

Online databases and search engines are another way to find resources without relying on reference services. They can help you access a wide range of information sources that may not be available in the library catalog or website, such as articles, reports, statistics, images, videos, and more. You can use online databases and search engines to search by keyword, phrase, or other criteria, and to apply advanced search options and filters to narrow down your results. You can also use online databases and search engines to access full-text or abstracts of the resources, cite them, and link to related resources. However, you should be aware of the differences and limitations of each database and search engine, such as the coverage, currency, authority, and relevance of the information they provide.

4 Use subject guides and directories

Subject guides and directories are another way to find resources without relying on reference services. They can help you discover and explore information sources that are relevant to a specific subject, discipline, or topic. Subject guides and directories are usually created and maintained by librarians, experts, or organizations that have knowledge and experience in the field. They can provide you with an overview of the subject, a list of recommended resources, such as books, journals, databases, websites, and more, and tips and strategies for searching and evaluating them. You can use subject guides and directories to find resources that are authoritative, reliable, and up-to-date, and to learn more about the subject and its subtopics.

5 Use citations and references

Citations and references are another way to find resources without relying on reference services. They can help you track and locate the sources that are cited or referenced by other sources that you have already found or used. Citations and references can provide you with information such as the author, title, date, publisher, and URL of the source, and sometimes a brief summary or annotation. You can use citations and references to find resources that are related to your topic, that support or challenge your arguments, or that offer different perspectives or evidence. You can also use citations and references to verify the accuracy and credibility of the sources, and to avoid plagiarism and acknowledge your sources.

6 Use help features and tutorials

Help features and tutorials are another way to find resources without relying on reference services. They can help you learn how to use the library catalog, website, databases, search engines, and other tools and platforms that are available to you. Help features and tutorials can provide you with instructions, examples, tips, FAQs, glossaries, and other information that can guide you through the search process and help you overcome any difficulties or challenges. You can use help features and tutorials to improve your search skills, to troubleshoot any problems, or to learn new features or functions that can enhance your search experience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?