Research Tutorials

Know when and who to ask for help.

Corban University patrons will know when and who to ask for help and feel comfortable doing so.

Know how to search the resources of Corban University/Western Seminary.

Corban University patrons will know how to use Primo, Corban’s Web-Discovery Service, this includes accessing full-text articles and e-books, finding print material, and requesting material. They will know when to turn to Primo and when to turn to other databases and understand the basic distinctions between the two.

Understand the Library of Congress classification system and subject headings.

Corban University patrons will understand the basic structure of the Library of Congress classification system, understanding that books are grouped together by topic and how LC differs from Dewey so that they are able to find resources to meet their interests. Corban University patrons will also understand the basic structure of subject headings and how they can empower a research endeavor.

Know how to access electronic resources and download them to your device.

Corban University patrons will know how to find e-books, electronic articles, and other electronic resources. Corban University patrons will know what kinds of files can be downloaded to their device as well as how to download the resource and read it on their device. This will involve some familiarity with DRM (digital rights management) files, PDF files, HTML files, and other venues through which these resources are delivered.

Know how to find scholarly resources on the internet.

Corban University patrons will know how to interface with the web as a scholar. This involves knowing which resources to use, and which to avoid; evaluating web content; integrating library resources with the web so that a web-search is not limited to content that is available here and now; and becoming comfortable with the ever changing dynamics of research on the internet.

Understand when to use additional available resources.

Corban University patrons will know the differences between the various types of resources (when to use a reference work vs. an article). They will not only know when to pursue a certain type of resource, but how to find them and once they find an item of interest, how to best utilize it to meet their research needs.

Know how to use the print periodical indexes.

Corban University patrons will understand what a periodical index can do, when to use it, and how to use it. This will involve interpreting an index finding, locating that material in our library or requesting it from another library.

Know how to use the Reference collection.

Corban University patrons will understand the basic distinction between a reference collection and our main collection. This includes knowing when and how to use a reference item, how to use a bibliography, the distinctions between a general and specialized encyclopedia, and what a reference item can do that Wikipedia cannot.

Know how to request additional research materials.

Corban University patrons will know how to borrow a book from a partner library, and be aware that they can request additional materials outside of Corban’s partnerships.

Understand the fundamentals of copyright and fair use.

Corban University patrons will understand the fundamentals of copyright and fair use. This includes understanding the context of copyright law and fair use, assessing a risk factor when there is an element of uncertainty, and comfortably turning to librarians when questions loom.