RESEARCH TIPS
RESEARCH TIPS
L
ibraries are great places to do research as they
have so much material to explore. Sometimes
this can feel overwhelming – it’s not always easy
to locate the information you need. So, how do
you go about making the most out of libraries?Locating the most appropriate library
First of all, start by deciding what kind of library would be
most suitable for your research. As you know, not all libraries
are the same. Generally speaking, there are two kinds of
libraries: public libraries and research libraries. The former
allow free access to the general public, display much of their
material on open shelves and let you borrow non-reference
material (provided you have a valid ticket). The scope of their
resources varies: larger libraries stock a wider range of material
than smaller ones. However, most public libraries, whether
large or small, are excellent if you want to research their
respective areas’ local histories. You can find a list and contact
details of all public libraries in the UK at https://writ.rs/
ukpubliclibraries.
Research libraries tend to be linked to universities and other
research-related establishments. Their scope of resources tends
to be much more comprehensive. Some research libraries are
specialised in certain subject areas, such as the SOAS library
(www.soas.ac.uk/library) focusing on all things Asian and
African. To find research libraries near you, do an online
search or check out the list of the largest UK-based libraries at
https://writ.rs/researchlibrariesuk.
The downside of using research libraries is that access to the
public is usually restricted. Some allow free access for reference
purposes, but others charge a fee. Always check the entry
requirements in advance by visiting the library’s website, and
don’t forget to take all the required ID documents with you so
that you can be issued with a visitor’s library ticket.
If you’re not sure which library would be the most
appropriate one for you, take advantage of WorldCat82 MARCH 2020 http://www.writers-online.co.ukLearn to explore shelves and archives with Tarja Moles
Libraries
(www.worldcat.org), an online search engine for library
holdings. As you use its search function, not only will you
be presented with a comprehensive results list, but you will
also be shown which libraries hold the items. If you notice
that you’re not able to access a particular library (eg because
it’s faraway), ask your local library if an interlibrary loan
can be arranged for you.Different types of material
Libraries tend to be associated with books, but it’s worth
remembering that they have lots of other types of material
too, such as journals, magazines, newspapers, audio-visual
material, different types of databases and even online courses.
In addition to printed items, digital material is becoming
increasingly popular. Different libraries offer different
resources so check online what is available. Public libraries’
digital collections often include, ebooks, emagazines, reference
material (eg encyclopaedias and dictionaries), historical
newspapers and some research databases. Research libraries
tend to additionally offer access to digital journals and more
specialised research databases.
Consulting printed and other non-digital resources is
generally straightforward in a public library as the items are
usually displayed on shelves. However, some research libraries
(eg the British Library, http://www.bl.uk) keep all or some books
and journals in storage. This means that you’ll need to order
the items you want to study in advance. Please note that the
ordering process may sometimes take several days so make sure
you plan accordingly.
To access digital material, most public libraries allow
their ticket holders to log in and access the resources from
anywhere. The same can apply to research library ticket
holders, but if you’re merely a visitor, you’ll need to find
out whether you’re allowed to access the library’s digital
resources. If so, you’ll most likely have to read the material
on a library computer.