Library Research Tools
The Library has a virtual toolbox of power tools to help you find the information you need for your course preparation and research projects.
The major research tools are:
Which Research Tool Is Most Appropriate for the Task at Hand?
...Find a book, ebook, or other media in the ORU Library? Use the opens new windowLibrary Catalog (the Books+ tab).
...Find the full text of a journal in the ORU Library? Use the opens new windowJournal Finder+.
... Identify journal articles for a research paper? Use one or more databases on the opens new window Database List.
...Find information for a research project but not sure which database to use first? Try opens new windowEagleSearch
...Find a book the ORU Library does not own? Search opens new windowWorldCat.
...Find guidance on how to do research in a specific subject area or type of information? Use the opens new windowResearch Guides.
... Access digitized materials from the Holy Spirit Resource Center or from one of the University colleges? Use the Digital Showcase.
4 Kinds of Library Guides
Library guides help users learn about resources related to various disciplines and types of information. They are created by ORU librarians specifically with the research needs of the faculty and students in mind. They provide 24/7 for research help.
By posting links to a course or research guide in D2L, you enable your students to see recommended library resources relevant to the course. If you don't see a library guide that covers your subject, ask your library liaison to create a custom guide to support the needs of your students.
The ORU Library provides four kinds of Library Guides:
- Subject Guides: Use a subject guide to find resources related to a particular subject or discipline. The guide will direct you to relevant databases, ebooks, online journals, reference works, and more, as well as provide sample searches and give other tips.
- Course Guides: Use a course guide to find resources related to assignments in a specific course.
- How to ... Guides: Use a how-to-find guide for tips on locating a particular type of information, such as articles, reviews, books, journals, multimedia, newspapers, statistics, and dissertations and theses.