The Shelby Township Library is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike, offering a wide range of materials, services, and programs to support research, learning, and entertainment. To help you make the most of this excellent library, we've compiled 10 tips for better research, covering everything from navigating the catalog to utilizing online resources and getting assistance from library staff.
Getting Started with Research at the Shelby Township Library
Before diving into your research, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the library’s layout, services, and policies. The Shelby Township Library is located at 51680 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI 48316, and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. The library’s website is a great place to start, providing access to the online catalog, research databases, and other resources.
Navigating the Library Catalog
The library’s online catalog is a powerful tool for finding books, articles, and other materials. To get started, simply visit the library’s website and click on the “Catalog” tab. From there, you can search for materials by keyword, title, author, or subject. The catalog also allows you to filter results by format, language, and availability, making it easy to find exactly what you need. For example, if you’re looking for books on a specific topic, you can use the “Subject” search option to find relevant titles.
Here are some specific search tips to keep in mind:
- Use quotes to search for exact phrases, such as "climate change."
- Use the asterisk (*) to search for variations of a word, such as "comput*" to find "computer," "computing," and "computers."
- Use the question mark (?) to search for unknown characters, such as "gr?y" to find "gray" or "grey."
| Search Type | Example | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword | "sustainable energy" | Books, articles, and other materials containing the phrase "sustainable energy" |
| Title | "The Great Gatsby" | Copies of the book "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald |
| Author | "John Grisham" | Books written by John Grisham |
| Subject | "environmental science" | Books, articles, and other materials related to environmental science |
Utilizing Online Resources
In addition to the library catalog, the Shelby Township Library offers a range of online resources to support research and learning. These include databases such as ProQuest, EBSCO, and JSTOR, which provide access to thousands of articles, journals, and other materials. The library also offers online tutorials and guides to help you get started with these resources.
Some of the online resources available through the Shelby Township Library include:
- ProQuest: A database of articles, journals, and other materials covering a wide range of subjects, including business, health, and social sciences.
- EBSCO: A database of articles, journals, and other materials covering a wide range of subjects, including education, psychology, and science.
- JSTOR: A database of articles, journals, and other materials covering the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
Getting Assistance from Library Staff
The Shelby Township Library is staffed by knowledgeable and helpful librarians who are always happy to assist with research and other questions. Whether you're looking for help finding materials, using online resources, or navigating the library's services, don't hesitate to ask. The library also offers one-on-one research assistance, which can be scheduled in advance by calling the library or using the online request form.
In addition to individual assistance, the library also offers a range of research guides and tutorials to help you get started with your research. These guides cover topics such as searching the catalog, using online databases, and evaluating sources, and are available on the library's website or in print at the library.
Additional Tips for Better Research
In addition to navigating the catalog, utilizing online resources, and getting assistance from library staff, here are a few more tips to help you make the most of your research experience at the Shelby Township Library:
- Evaluate your sources: When conducting research, it’s essential to evaluate the credibility and reliability of your sources. Look for sources that are peer-reviewed, up-to-date, and relevant to your topic.
- Use a variety of sources: Don’t rely on a single source or type of source for your research. Instead, try to use a variety of sources, including books, articles, and primary sources, to get a well-rounded understanding of your topic.
- Take notes and organize your research: As you conduct your research, be sure to take notes and organize your findings in a way that makes sense to you. This will help you to keep track of your sources and to synthesize your information into a clear and coherent argument.
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The Shelby Township Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
How do I access the library’s online resources from home?
+To access the library’s online resources from home, simply visit the library’s website and click on the “Online Resources” tab. From there, you can log in with your library card number and PIN to access a range of databases and other materials.
Can I get help with my research from library staff?
+Yes, the Shelby Township Library is staffed by knowledgeable and helpful librarians who are always happy to assist with research and other questions. You can ask for help in person, over the phone, or via email, or schedule a one-on-one research appointment in advance.
