Journals are collections of articles on original research and discussion on theories and practices within a specific field of study. They are often published in quarterly, bimonthly, or monthly issues. Journal articles typically include a bibliography of works cited throughout the article. Scholarly journals are usually peer-reviewed. Journals in the sciences and social sciences often include an abstract that precedes the article which summarizes its content.
Databases are large files consisting of digitized information that is frequently updated. Database records are usually focused on specific subjects. The records are formatted and organized in a consistent way so that users can access them quickly and easily through the use of search terms and phrases. Electronic access to articles, abstracts, and indices are often available through CD-ROM or online. Many of the databases offer full-text resources that are leased annually by the library under licensing agreements with the database vendors.
Users typically begin with a basic keyword search constructed of the words or phrases that they desire to find resources on. Sometimes, this proves sufficient for finding the quantity and quality of resources they need. However, on other occasions, users notice that they find no hits, or their search is truncated. What can you do to revise your search?
Google can be a useful tool to begin a search and there are many valuable, reliable resources available through the Internet. Still, Google comprises a vast amount of information that can be challenging to wade through. In addition, there will be times when you are not interested in retrieving results that include people's blogs and individual webpages. It is important to keep in mind that some of the material that you find on the Internet is untrue or unverifiable. Some people can create very plausible, but fictitious webpages. From time to time, organizations may develop a website that is primarily motivated by a particular agenda or political stance. You need to be able to exercise discretion when sorting through information that you find on the web. Even so, there is plenty out there that is worth using. More and more journals and books are becoming available on the Internet. This open access can be a wonderful thing. If you have questions about how to evaluate materials you have found on the Internet, feel free to contact someone in the Reference department or ask one of your professors or graduate assistants.
Keep in mind that sometimes you will need items that have been peer-reviewed and you can benefit from the bibliographies in books and journals found through the library. Bibliographies can be a great way to identify other materials you might want to include in your paper or presentation. Library databases are usually subject specific, so that can automatically narrow your search results.
Did you know that you can search for information in more than one database if they have the same vendor?
With FirstSearch, click on "Databases" on the blue navigation bar on the left side of the screen. Look at the list of databases by subject area or list all databases. Checkmark the boxes of the databases you would like to select and return to the search screen. At the top of your search screen, there will be a gray bar that lists the databases you have selected.
When using EbscoHost, click on the "Choose Databases" tab at the top of the screen and checkmark the boxes of the databases you desire to search. Then, click "Continue" to resume searching.
FirstSearch includes a catalog of 38 million books, subject indexes for periodical and journal articles, abstracts of newspaper articles, and an almanac and encyclopedia. Many databases have options for obtaining full-text articles which you can view, print, or email.
Trinity pays for student access to download free .pdf copies of M.A. theses, D.Min. projects, and Evangelical Theological Society conference papers from TREN, the Theological Research Exchange Network.
To access these documents from TREN e-Docs:
Note: If you do not know your GroupWise username and password, please email [email protected] and request it. Include your student ID number, your full name, the last 4 digits of your social security number, and your birthdate in your request.
To access databases remotely, please use your Trinity GroupWise login.
GroupWise accounts are created for students, faculty, and staff. They are assigned by the Academic Computing department.
You can call 877-339-9487 (toll-free) or please email [email protected] and request it. Include your student ID number, your full name, the last 4 digits of your social security number, and your birthdate in your request.
Go to http://mail.tiu.edu/ to access your account.
South Chicago Regional Center students have a library on campus. They are also encouraged to use Rolfing's library in Deerfield.
South Florida Regional Center students have access to their own library through TrinCat.You can limit the TrinCat to search for resources available at your site. Under the "Search by Campus" drop down menu, select "Florida Regional Center."
Students enrolled in distance learning and extension site courses which reside outside of Illinois have access to the following materials:
Details about distance student services are provided on the services page and in the policies section of about us.
Check the resources page and please fill out and submit the library materials recommendation form.
Yes, the library accepts gifts. We are thankful for your generosity. If you would like a letter of acknowledgement, let us know and we can send one. If you want your library materials appraised, please consult a tax professional or the IRS about tax deduction guidelines. The library reserves the right to sell, exchange, donate, or discard gift items which are not added to the library collection. Most gift books are sold in book sales open to the Trinity community and the public. The funds received are used to support the mission of the library.
Please see our policy on the about us page.
Interlibrary Loan is a service that provides patrons access to borrowing books and receiving articles that are not available through Rolfing library.
Materials can be requested through WorldCat, by clicking the "ILL" button or "Request this item from another library" and filling out the online form provided.
It generally takes one to two weeks for books and articles to arrive upon request.
You will be notified by GroupWise email when your materials are available.
Once received and processed, they are available at the Circulation desk.
More information about Interlibrary Loan is included on the services page and the policies are defined on the about us page.
For Rolfing materials:
Login to TrinCat with your Trinity ID and last name. Check the boxes and click "renew items."
For Interlibrary Loan items:
You may renew by any of the following methods:
To contact your departmental library liaison, refer to the staff directory.
To request bibliographic instruction for your course, please contact the appropriate librarian listed below:
To place materials on course reserve, please contact the Circulation Supervisor or submit a Course Reserves Form.
Materials that your professor has placed on reserve can be located behind the Circulation desk. There is a catalog of course reserve materials on the Circulation counter which is organized by professor's last name and then course number.
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