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
Confused by some of the words you hear in the library?
Click here for a list of common library vocabulary words.
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 http://nova.libguides.com/databasesbysubject and look under the subject categories to find a list of relevant databases. You can also perform a search directly in the databases below.
Remember not to write sentences in the search box. Use keywords taken from your research statement.
Look for additional keywords offered under Subject and Subject Thesaurus. Also make sure to look for toolbars that provide print, email, and citation options.
- Associates Programs Source (EBSCO) This link opens in a new window
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Journals 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) - Biography (Gale In Context) This link opens in a new window
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Biographical information on over 380,000 people from throughout world history; from encyclopedias and news articles. (NVCC) - Issues & Controversies This link opens in a new windowDetailed reports on controversial issues in the news. (VCCS)
- 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)
- Opposing Viewpoints (Gale In Context) This link opens in a new window
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Essays, 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.