Library Skills
There are two approaches to accessing library resources that you will need to know how to use: The MSTC Library Catalog and the Online Databases. If you are currently registered as an MSTC student, you can use peruse both from any computer that has internet access.

MSTC Library Catalog

Searching for resources

  1. Try keyword searches first. They should be enough to get you what you are looking for.

  2. View your search results. The title, author, and publication date will appear on the first line of each record:
    (For example: Resumes for the health care professional / Kim Marino. Marino, Kim, 1951- 1993)
         The campus library and shelf location, call number, and resource availability will appear on the second line:
    (For example: MFLD General Collection                     R 690 .M333 1993                Available)

  3. Remember that WISC = Wisconsin Rapids Campus, STPT = Stevens Point campus, and MFLD = Marshfield campus. Resources located on more than one campus will read "Title has multiple holdings". General Collection, Reference, Periodicals, etc. indicates the location of the resource inside library. The call number tells where the resource should be located on the actual shelf. Most resources will be marked "Available" or "Checked out." However, some may be lost or overdue.

  4. Click on the publication title to view the entire record.

  5. To narrow or expand your search, click on the "Builder Search" Tab and enter one term per field. Select "and", "or", or "not" before each term.

Checking out a resource

  1. Write down the titles and call numbers for the resources you want to use.

  2. Give the titles and call numbers to a library staff member on the appropriate campus if you need help finding your resources.

  3. Get a library card from library staff member if you don't have one already.

Online Databases

You can access most databases from off campus using the MSTC User Name and Password you use to get your email. You will have to log in only once, when you access the first database that you choose.

Example –

MSTC User Name: squarepants5980

MSTC Password: Your Password

If you have questions regarding access, please contact the Help Desk:

On the Wisconsin Rapids Campus: Dial Ext. 5555

Off Campus: Dial toll-free 866.244.7105

Online: http://hdo.collegis.com/wilm

Databases you should use for the group research report:

EbscoHost
OmniFile Fulltext Select
ProQuest

Tricks to remember:

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Use "Advanced Search"

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Use separate search fields when using multiple search terms.

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Select "AND" to narrow your search and "OR to expand your search.

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Use the drop down menus to the right of the search fields to search for terms in a specific place.

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Limit searches by selecting certain databases, certain date ranges, certain types of sources, or peer reviewed articles.

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Look for full text articles, preferably PDF files if available.

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Check (or "Add") the most relevant and reliable articles to view all at once later.

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Email the articles you think you'll want to use to your MSTC email account. Be sure to include the PDF files.

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Create a folder in your Outlook account to store your emailed references and articles.

For help using these database search engines, click*:

EbscoHost's Help Link
EbscoHost Help
Villanova's EbscoHost guide
ProQuest's Quick Reference Guide
ProQuest's Training Overview
WilsonWeb tutorial
WilsonWeb's Quick Reference Guide

*You can also use the help menu located on the search page of each database.

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