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FAQ - Reference and Information
Reference and Information: (783-2988)Q1 What hours is the Reference Desk staffed? A1 When classes are in session, the Reference Desk is staffed Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. When classes are not in session, ask at the Cushing Circulation Center for a Reference Librarian. Q2 How do I find books on a topic? A2 Use the link to CYRIL, the computerized library catalog, on the Library's Web Page. Use the tabs to find a book by title, subject or author. If you do not find what you are looking for in CYRIL, or the title you want is unavailable, click on the ConnectNY link to search over a dozen libraries with 5.5 million items obtainable with speedy devivery. Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance. Q3 How do I find articles on a topic? A3 Use one of the indexes, abstracts or online services on the library's Research Databases page. Indexes come in many formats. Those in printed book format (such as Book Review Index and Art Index) are located in the McCarthy Reference Center. To search for articles online, use ProQuest, WilsonWeb, Lexis-Nexis, JSTOR. PsychInfo, and many others available on campus and off campus. Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance. Q4 How can I find a book review on this book? A4 Use Book Review Digest or Book Review Index. Both are located in the McCarthy Reference Center on the First Floor. Many reviews also appear in the full-text databases such as ProQuest, EBSCOHost and JSTOR. Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance. Q5 How do I find web pages on a topic? A5 You can find web pages for each discipline on Siena’s library web page. From any library PC, go to the Siena College library web page. Click on Academic Web Resources. There are also links for general reference sources. Q6 Does the library have this journal? A6 On the library web page click on the Journal Finder link for holdings in paper or electronically available. Type in the name of the periodical you are looking for. If we have the issue you want in paper, write down the call number. Then, find the journal on the shelf downstairs (for bound periodicals) or in the Siena Alumni Association Current Periodicals Room (for current issues, before they are bound). (Note: some journals are on microfilm). For electronic issues follow the links. Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance. Q7 I can’t find this journal on the shelf. Where else could it be? A7 It could be in the following places: on shelves or tables by the photocopy machines; at the bindery; or shelved in the wrong place. Ask someone at Reference or Circulation if you cannot find what you need. Q8 How can I find statistics on…? A8 A good starting place is Statistical Abstract of the United States. Copies of the latest editions are in Reference. There are also statistical sources in economics in Reference sections HA-HC; and social sciences Reference sections HM-HX. There is also a list of online statistics sources in the "General Web Resources" section of the library web site.For others, see a Reference Librarian. Q9 I have an interview next week. Where can I find company information? A9 The Internet is also a good place to find company information. Business databases such as ProQuest and Lexis-Nexis have a plethora of company information. There are also many company directories in Reference sections HD-HG. Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance. Q10 Where are the encyclopedias? A10 Many general and subject-specific encyclopedias are in the Reference area in the classification area A. The Americana is also available via the Library Web Page. Q11 Where can I find a dictionary and a thesaurus? A11 Smaller dictionaries are located in the Reference Room in section PE 1628. You can also find a thesaurus in the Reference Room, around section PE 1591. Q12 Can I find copies of my textbooks in the library? A12 The Library does not order textbooks as a rule. Some professors may put a copy on reserve. Q13 Do you have electronic access to other libraries? A13 Yes. From the link on the library home page for General Web Resources scroll down to Area Library Catalogs. SUNY, RPI, St. Rose, Russell Sage, and other area libraries. The CaDiLaC and UHLAN links search dozens of libraries with each query. Or you can use a search engine such as Google to find local libraries. Ask a Reference Librarian for assistance. Q14 Can I access CYRIL (library catalog) from my home/office/dorm? A14 Yes. Go to the Library Web Page click on the CYRIL. The online databases are available both on and off campus. |
