This document provides an overview of library resources available at the Miller Center at St. Cloud State University. It describes the learning resources and technology services, including the library catalog (MnPALS) and databases like Academic Search Premier. It emphasizes that many resources are available remotely and provides the library website for accessing electronic resources. It also notes that library staff are available to provide further assistance with research.

1. An Overview of Library Resources at the Miller Center
Learning Resources & Technology Services
James W. Miller Learning Resources Center
St. Cloud State University
http://lrts.stcloudstate.edu

2.  Jump start your research process
 Focus on several basic tools available to students
 Demonstrate the library’s catalog: MnPALS and the
database Academic Search Premier
 Provide contacts for further assistance

3.  Many of the LR &TS library resources are
available from your desktop
 Toaccess the libraries’ resources go to:
http://lrts.stcloudstate.edu/library/
 Don’tforget to contact us if you need further
assistance.

4.  Your research begins with your topic, research question(s) and/or
thesis statement
 The early stage of research is the discovery phase, a good time to
clarify and focus your topic
 Search terms are key to finding information!
 Start your research with a Subject Guide
Select a specific guide for
subject-specific resources such
as:
dictionaries, encyclopedias, dat
abases, and other resources

5. Need ideas for an argument , current events, or research
paper? Take a look at following resource tools!
1. CQ Researcher
• Reliable, unbiased, and in-depth information on a wide variety of current issues. Excellent for browsing hot
topics.
2. Opposing Viewpoints
• Provides overviews and multiple points of view on contemporary social issues. Includes viewpoint
articles, articles drawn from popular magazines, academic journals, and newspapers, primary
sources, statistics, podcasts, and links to Websites on topics ranging from abortion to illegal
immigration, from gambling to war crimes.
3. Facts.com (World News Digest)
• FACTS.com brings together content from reference sources about events, issues, statistics and people of
the last 20 years. Special features include maps, photographs, historic documents, and overviews of key
issues, newsmakers and events since 1980.

6. Look for background information*
Dictionaries
Encyclopedias
Fact
Books
Almanacs
and other fact based resources

7. Start with Library Search on the library home page
Spanish dictionary

8. Results
Note: availability, call number, location, format

9. Use limits to refine and Limit by format Limit by location
narrow your search

10.  No problem!
 Using Library Search you can look for books
by keyword or subject heading …
cats
dogs
 For more detailed
searches
Use “and “ to combine terms, use “or” to
search similar terms at the same time. use advanced search

11. Click here
Search journal titles, subject
categories and more
Review the results and
click on the “Find It! link
to determine the format:
including
electronic, print, microfil
m or microfiche

12. Searching for articles is relatively easy…
1. Use the Library Search – Articles and databases tab to start
your search
Use the “Find” box to start
searching, you may select
general topic databases or a
specific subject area.

13. This section indicates the
quantity of results from
each database searched You may print, email, or
save your results
Articles are listed by the
databases that they come Click on view to display
from, information includes additional information
the including an abstract, to
title, journal, volume, etc… determine if our library
owns this particular
journal you may select
“SCSU FindIt!”

14.  Know the name of a specific database?
 Want to browse…
 If so click on the “All Databases” link under “Articles and databases”
 Databases are listed alphabetically, with brief descriptions and years of
coverage

15.  Article databases vary in topics, years covered, and
search screen
 Remember to use the “Find It” button to check MnPALS
for availability
 Know the difference:
• Scholarly articles
 Peer-reviewed, usually more than 5 pages, includes references
• Popular press
 General audience, attractive, advertisements, glossy paper

16.  Want to add structure to your paper/project?
• Try our Assignment Calculator
 Not sure how to cite resources and prevent plagiarism?
• Check out our links to citing resources
• Or better yet…use RefWorks, our Web based citation manager
 One time registration required!
 (Group Code for registration: RWStCloudSU)
 Additional resources available at:
• Course Guides

18. Cindy Gruwell
Associate Professor
Library Resources & Technology Services
Miller Center 140C
320-308-1508
cagruwell@stcloudstate.edu