Reference librarians
are professional research specialists. If you are clear about your speaking
purpose, a librarian is likely to help you find expert resources to support
your points.
According to
communication experts Grice and Skinner, reference librarians can
- acquaint
you with the library's services and holdings
- guide you
to specific sources of information
- instruct
you in the use of library equipment
Consider using online subscription magazine and journal databases that are available in many academic libraries. Some of these links require subscriptions or memberships so are limited for the individual, but many libraries have subscribed. The following is a sample of databases with descriptions from these companies:
- AccuNet/AP
Multimedia Archive is perhaps the most important visual archive available
today. Go to http://www.accunetapdetails.com/ to see examples of the visual services offered primarily for libraries and schools K-12.
- CQ Researcher
is a weekly publication covering the most current and controversial issues
of the day with complete summaries, insight into all sides of the issues,
bibliographies and more. Get an overview at http://www.cqpress.com/getHome.asp. The database is divided by the type of searcher (professors, government, professionals, individuals, librarians, teachers, students).
- Factiva,
a Dow Jones & Reuters Company, provides world-class global content, including
Dow Jones and Reuters newswires and the Wall Street Journal - unduplicated
in a single service elsewhere. Go to http://www.factiva.com/ to read featured articles on a wide range of business topics or listen to a sample podcast.
- Expanded
Academic Index ASAP on InfoTrac Web provides a combination of indexing,
abstracts, images, and full text for scholarly and general interest journals
embracing all academic disciplines. Go to http://www.umsl.edu/services/libteach/ and click on “Tutorial for Learning Expanded Academic Index ASAP” for an overview of this service.
- Lexis-Nexis
Academic and Library Solutions is the premier publisher of research collections
and reference solutions for libraries worldwide. At http://www.lexisnexis.com/ click on “Products and Services” at top, then “Academic and Library Solutions” to find a sampling of topics (“What’s New” from menu on left) or to look into a free trial. Or to directly to http://www.lexisnexis.com/academic/solutions/.
- Opposing
Viewpoints Resource Center a virtual library of resources from Gale, designed
to aid students in the study of today's hottest social issues. Take a tour at http://www.gale.com/OpposingViewpoints/gtour.htm to get an overview of the resources available.
