FAQs

-Research Questions-
(starting your research, finding articles, books)

-Service Questions-
(instruction, ILL, reserves, reference, distance education students)

 -General Information -
(who can use the library, library hours, remote acccess, etc.)

 

Research Related Questions

 

  1. How do I find what's in the library's collection?
  2. Where do I find journal/magazine/newspaper articles?
  3. Where should I begin my research?
  4. Where can I find an online dictionary, style guide, or other quick reference guides?
  5. What is a peer-reviewed or scholarly journal?  How is it different from a magazine?

 

Service Related Questions

 

  1. What if the library doesn't have what I need?
  2. I'm a distance education student.  Do I have to come to the library to check out books or copy articles?
  3. What type of audiovisual services are available?
  4. What is a government document depository?
  5. What type of library instruction is available?
  6. I need to ask a reference question, but the library is closed.
  7. What are reserve items and how do I find them?
  8. What special collections does the library have?

 

General Information Questions

 

  1. What hours is the library open?
  2. How do I contact the library director?
  3. I'm not affiliated with East Central University.  Can I still use the library?
  4. How long can I check out materials?

 

Research Answers

 

  1. The library's online catalog, the CatPac, contains information on the books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and other items owned.  You can search by author, title, journal title, subject, keyword, and call number.

     

  2. You'll need to search an electronic resource to find journal and magazine articles.  Some resources will contain books as well.

     

  3. The best place to begin research is to start with a subject specific research guide.  The guide will walk you through the various library tools to locate books, periodicals, reference and Internet materials.

     

  4. Click here for a list of our quick reference materials or come by the library and let us help you in person.  There is a reference librarian on duty every hour the library is open except for Saturdays and from 9-10AM on Thursdays.  Feel free to come by and talk with us, call us @ 580.310.5371, or email your question using our online form.

     

  5. Some of your professors will require you to use peer-reviewed or scholarly journals for your references.  Click on the links below for clear definitions:

     

 

 

 

Service Answers

 

  1. If the library doesn't own what you need, you can request the information via Interlibrary Loan (ILL).  Only current ECU students and employees may take advantage of the ILL program.  Click here for more information on ILL.

     

  2. Distance education students do not have to drive to campus to check out books or copy articles available in the library.  Click here for more information on distance education student services.

     

  3. The audiovisual department provides many services to ECU students and employees, as well as, to area schools and residents.  Click here for more information.

     

  4. Government document depositories receive materials produced by the federal and state government for free.  Click here for more information.

     

  5. Various types of library instruction are available, including face-to-face classroom (either in the library or regular classroom) and one-on-one sessions.  Instruction can range from tours to research specific techniques.  Click here for more information.

     

  6. Please email your question using our online form.

     

  7. Reserve items are materials that faculty members have given the library that relate to specific courses.  They can be articles, books, software, or other materials.  You'll need your student ID to check out the materials and change to make photocopies ($0.10 per page).  Click here for more information.

     

  8. Click here for a list of the library's special collections.

 

General Answers

  1. The library is open the following hours.

     

  2. Click here for a full staff directory.

     

  3. Yes, according to the Library's mission statement.

     

  4. Loan periods are determined by the type of material being borrowed and the status of the borrower.