The Brownsburg Library, located in the heart of Brownsburg, Indiana, is a treasure trove of knowledge and information, offering a wide range of resources and services to support the research needs of its community. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply a curious individual, the library is an excellent place to start your research journey. In this article, we will provide you with 10+ tips to help you make the most out of your research experience at the Brownsburg Library.
Getting Started with Research at the Brownsburg Library
Before you begin your research, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the library’s layout, resources, and services. The Brownsburg Library is open seven days a week, with extended hours during the school year. The library’s collection includes over 100,000 items, including books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs. The library also offers free Wi-Fi, public computers, and printing services.
Navigating the Library’s Catalog and Databases
The Brownsburg Library’s online catalog is a powerful tool that allows you to search for books, articles, and other resources. You can access the catalog from the library’s website or from any of the public computers within the library. The library also subscribes to several databases, including EBSCO, JSTOR, and ProQuest, which provide access to thousands of articles, journals, and other resources. To access these databases, you will need to log in with your library card number and PIN.
| Database | Description |
|---|---|
| EBSCO | A comprehensive database that includes articles, journals, and e-books on a wide range of topics |
| JSTOR | A database of academic journals, books, and primary sources in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences |
| ProQuest | A database that includes articles, journals, and other resources on topics such as business, health, and education |
Conducting Effective Research at the Brownsburg Library
Once you have familiarized yourself with the library’s resources and services, it’s time to start conducting your research. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start by brainstorming keywords and topics related to your research question or topic
- Use the library's catalog and databases to search for relevant books, articles, and other resources
- Take advantage of the library's interlibrary loan service, which allows you to borrow materials from other libraries
- Use the library's study rooms and quiet areas to work on your research projects
- Don't hesitate to ask for help from the library's staff, who are always happy to provide guidance and support
Organizing and Citing Your Research
Once you have gathered your research materials, it’s essential to organize and cite them properly. The Brownsburg Library offers several resources to help you with this process, including Citation Machine and EasyBib. These tools allow you to create citations and bibliographies in a variety of formats, including MLA, APA, and Chicago.
In addition to these tools, the library also offers workshops and classes on research skills, including citation and organization. Be sure to check the library's website or calendar to see what's available.
Additional Tips for Better Research at the Brownsburg Library
In addition to the tips and resources mentioned above, here are a few more things to keep in mind when conducting research at the Brownsburg Library:
- Be sure to check the library's website for hours, closures, and other important information before you visit
- Take advantage of the library's free Wi-Fi and public computers to access online resources and work on your research projects
- Use the library's printing and scanning services to print out articles, documents, and other materials
- Consider joining the library's book clubs or other programs to meet other readers and researchers and to stay up-to-date on new releases and topics
- Don't forget to return your borrowed materials on time to avoid fines and fees
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The Brownsburg Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
How do I access the library’s databases?
+To access the library’s databases, you will need to log in with your library card number and PIN. You can access the databases from the library’s website or from any of the public computers within the library.
Can I borrow materials from other libraries?
+Yes, the Brownsburg Library offers an interlibrary loan service, which allows you to borrow materials from other libraries. To use this service, you will need to have a library card and be in good standing.
