Research Assignment? Start at Your NOVA Library!
Start your research assignment in the library. Use the library catalog to find credible sources: books, e-books, articles, videos and more. Use the library databases (Articles) to find credible periodical sources: scholarly journal, newspaper, and magazine articles and more. And don't forget that the librarians are here to help you!
Search the Library Catalog
Multilingual Glossary for Today’s Library Users
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Multilingual Glossary for Today’s Library UsersUnderstanding library jargon can be difficult for anyone who is not a regular user of the library. The difficulty of understanding library terms is compounded for English as a second-language (ESL) speakers who must process these specialized terms in a language that is not their native one. This Multilingual Glossary is designed to assist ESL speakers, as well as the librarians who work with them. It consists of commonly used terms in academic libraries today.
The Glossary is divided into two parts: (1) the Language Table, which presents a list of these terms in seven languages, and (2) the Definitions, which give explanations in English for each of the terms.
Library Catalog Search Tips
1. Use only the most essential words related to your topic.
2. Not enough results? Try related terms, or more general terms -- for example, instead of poodles, try dogs.
3. Too many results? Be more specific -- for example, instead of computers, try social media AND privacy.
4. In your list of results, check the menu on the left for ways to limit your results, such as by resource type, library or publication date.
5. Select 'Request Item' to have books from other NOVA campus libraries sent to the NOVA campus library of your choice for pick up.
Articles
The best way to locate articles is through the library databases. Go to Databases by Subject and look under the subject categories to find a list of relevant databases. You can also perform a search directly in the databases below.
- Do not enter complete sentences in the search box. Use relevant topics or keywords to perform your search.
- Put the word AND between search terms; language AND learning.
- Connect related terms using OR; relationships OR friendships OR social interaction.
- Look for additional keywords or subjects offered.
- Look for toolbars that provide print, email, and citation options.
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Associates Programs Source (EBSCO) This link opens in a new windowJournals on subjects commonly taught in community colleges, including accounting, agriculture, automotive, child care, cosmetology, culinary arts and food service, forestry, graphic arts, hospitality management, interior design, journalism, plumbing, heating & air conditioning, veterinary technology and welding. (VIVA)
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Biography (Gale In Context) This link opens in a new windowBiographical information on over 380,000 people from throughout world history; from encyclopedias and news articles. (NVCC)
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Issues & Controversies This link opens in a new windowDetailed reports on controversial issues in the news. (VCCS)
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News for You Online This link opens in a new windowNews articles to help ESL students learn to read, write, speak, and understand English. Includes audio, exercises and vocabulary. Password required - current NOVA students, ask your ESL instructor or campus librarian for the password. (NVCC)
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Opposing Viewpoints (Gale In Context) This link opens in a new windowEssays, magazines, journals, newspapers, statistics, primary sources; focus is on controversial issues. (VCCS)
*Associates Programs Source and Opposing Viewpoints allow you to limit your search by lexile reading level/range within the Advanced Search function.