HOW TO SEARCH FOR INFORMATION

1. BEGIN WITH A GENERAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OR REFERENCE SOURCE.
   
   Consult a general encyclopedia in our reference collection, or one of the online encyclopedias found in the Databases section of VSB LIBRARY.
   
   These reference resources will provide an overview of your topic and provide background information to get you started.
   
   Note: When using print resources, always use index volumes to look up your topic.
   The index will guide you to all the possible links, as well as provide you with other key words for a detailed search.
   
   Once you have a general idea about your topic, don't forget to consult specialized reference resources.

For example:  

• Science References in the 500s - 600s of the Reference Collection;
• Art References are in the 700s;
• Literature References are in the 800s;
• Geography / Biography / History are in the 900s.


2. USE VSB LIBRARY to search for print or non-print resources found in the library collection. 
VSB LIBRARY is the automated system will allow you to conduct searches by"
• General Keyword
• Author Keyword
• Title Keyword
• Subject Keyword
• Series Keyword 

The automated system will indicate in which collection the item is located.  (i.e. REF, PB, FICTION, Non-Fiction, etc.) 

The system will also indicate whether the item is on the shelf or checked out to someone. 

Once you've found the item you want, write down the title of the item, and the complete Call Number
(i.e. both the Dewey number and the letters.)




Example:        REF        971        CAN

Note: The Dewey Decimal Classification system categorizes resources by subject, so there will be many resources sharing the same Dewey number



3. LOCATE THE RESOURCE ON THE SHELVES
   
   Use the directional signs on the ends of the stacks to locate the resource on the shelves. If you are having difficulty finding what you need, please ask a librarian.


4. SEARCH V.P.L. (The Vancouver Public Library) catalogue for more resources.



5. For CURRENT INFORMATION, consult the databases available through VSB LIBRARY
   
   EBSCO - an online index to magazines, periodicals and journals. The User IDs and passwords for the databases are found in your student agenda books.


6. And remember to conduct an extensive Internet Search.
   
   Remember to pick websites that are reputable and reliable sources.
   For full details on evaluating resources visit the library's How To guide on Website Evaluation, or look at the ABC's of Internet Evaluation checklist.