Course: English 280
Spring 2008 – Dee Hutinger
Librarian: John Stierman – jp-stierman@wiu.edu
Leslie F. Malpass Library, Office 219
Phone: 298-2756
Office Hours: Monday, 3-4, Tuesday, 4-5; Wednesday, 11-1 & 6-7
Off-Campus Access: Library Internet Resources. Most of the libraries' databases are proprietary (owned by third parties). As long as you are on campus, the database providers assume that you are a WIU student. If you are off-campus, the providers require proof of enrolment. If you want to access library databases off-campus, be prepared with your student id # or your ecom username and password. Call the reference desk at 309-298-2700 or 800-413-6544.
Periodical Databases
- Academic Search Premier, dates vary
- Our most popular mutlidisciplinary periodical full-text database. Includes convenient features, such as saved searches, SDI, and persistent folders. Remember to check the list of subject headings along the left border after each search.
- America's Newspapers, dates vary
- America'a Newspapers is the Libraries best single source for full-text newspapers articles. Simple to search. Includes access to the Chicago Tribune and the Peoria Journal Star, the two most popular newspapers in our area. Limit your search by newspaper, state, region, and more.
- CQ Researcher, 1923-
- Single-issue, 12,000 word reports that focus on issues affecting Americans at a specific time. Great for policy papers or debates. The publisher, Congressional Quarterly, has a reputation for being objective. Loaded with suggestions for further reading at the end.
- InfoTrac (Expanded Academic Index), 1980-
- Still very popular with users. Multidisciplinary. Majority full-text. Search by subject heading or keyword.
- LexisNexis, dates vary
- Unique collection of information resources, including transcripts of television/radio news programs, full-text of campus newspapers around the country (including recent issues of the Western Courier), legal information (law reviews, federal/state cases, etc), and business news.
- Opposing ViewPoints
- Find arguments for and against numerous topics. Arranged by subject. Keyword search available.
Citing Your Sources: Hard Copy, Internet and RefWorks
Diana Hacker’s A Pocket Style Manual features three popular formats: MLA, APA, and Chicago. Of the three listed, Chicago is most common for history. For special instructions on how to cite Internet sources, see Hacker’s A Pocket Style Manual, Fourth Edition, pages 174-175. You can, of course, always consult The Chicago Manual Style, 15th ed (located at the Reference Desk). For Internet sources, see Chapter 17. The Reference Staff has created handouts on the three popular styles.
To manage your citations, you might consider learning how to use RefWorks. It is citation management software that is compatible with most of the University Libraries's databases. Ask me how to set up a personal account and begin filling folders with citations. You will find RefWorks on the WIU Libraries list of databases.