FAQs
How do I begin library research on a topic?
What’s the difference between databases and electronic journals?
How do I get a copy of an article if StLCoP does not have it?
How do I request an interlibrary loan, and how long will that take?
How can I get a book that StLCoP does not have?
What is MOBIUS, and where do I find the catalog?
Are there other places to find authoritative information?
Can I renew books, DVDs, and other items from my laptop?
Where do I find out what’s new in the library?
How can I get help using PubMed?
How do I begin library research on a topic?
Begin with good background information. You can try Encyclopedia Britannica Online for an overall article. Then you can proceed to an appropriate online database.
A recommended database for beginning a general search on a topic is Academic Search Premier. This database covers more than 3,600 academic journals including Science, Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Annual Review of Physiology, Physiological Reviews, New England Journal of Medicine, and JAMA, as well as numerous non-medical titles.
Begin with a keyword search. If your results list is too long, add another keyword in an attempt to narrow the focus of the topic.
Try additional databases as needed. Search the library catalog for books relating to the topic.
What’s the difference between databases and electronic journals?
Databases are entry points to search multiple journals, at once, for articles on a subject. Use databases when you want to research a topic. Begin with a keyword search.
Electronic journals are those journals that StLCoP has online access to as noted in the Electronic Journals List. Links to the journal are provided to access specific issues and specific articles. Use the electronic journal link when you know what issue and/or date a specific article is in or when browsing a specific journal.
How do I get a copy of an article if StLCoP does not have it?
First, make sure that StLCoP really does not have access to the article in some way. The absence of a full-text link in a database does not mean you do not have access to the article. Remember to: 1) check the StLCoP catalog for a print version; 2) check the journal title in the Electronic Journals List; 3) check the Becker Medical Library catalog for a print version; and then, 4) request interlibrary loan.
How do I request an interlibrary loan, and how long will that take?
The online interlibrary loan (ILL) request form can be found on the Interlibrary Loan page under the Library navigation link. Once you have submitted your request, it can take 10 to 14 days to be received. To help expedite the process, you may indicate that you have checked the Electronic Journals List and Becker Library by putting a note in the box “I need this article before”. For further information, consult the Interlibrary Loan FAQ link on the Interlibrary Load Web page.
How can I get a book that StLCoP does not have?
You can request a book through the MOBIUS catalog, go to the Becker Medical Library and check one out, and/or request a book through Interlibrary Loan.
What is MOBIUS, and where do I find the catalog?
MOBIUS is a consortium of most of the academic libraries in Missouri. Books requested online through the MOBIUS catalog usually arrive at the StLCoP library in two to three days and can be checked out for three weeks with two possible renewals, unless another patron requests the book. You can link directly to the catalog from the Catalog Web page, or, if you are searching for a book in the StLCoP catalog, you can click on the MOBIUS button at the top or the bottom of the page to search the MOBIUS catalog.
Are there other places to find authoritative information?
Can I renew books, DVDs and other items from my laptop?
Yes. From the StLCoP catalog Web page (Library/Library Catalogs/StLCoP Library Online Catalog), choose the link “View your own record," enter your name, ID number followed by “cop” (no quotation marks). You can then see your library record, renew items, check the status of MOBIUS requested items, and set up preferred searches.
Where do I find out what’s new in the library?
Members of the StLCoP community can go to their MyStLCoP page and access a link to the library's forum under the News & Announcements section. This is where the library posts information about new items, resources and helpful hints.
How can I get help using PubMed?
PubMed publishes several very short tutorials (most are less than four minutes and very helpful) on its Web site at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/disted/pubmed.html. You also can come in to the library for personal assistance.
For more information on library services, or for assistance using the library's resources, contact the Circulation Desk at 314. 446.8361 or e-mail library@stlcop.edu.