Library Research Guides

One of the great things about the digital age is that we have instant access to a huge range of information. But, one of the frustrating things about the digital age is that we have instant access to a huge range of information – how can you find what you really need when you get over a million hits on a Google or Yahoo search? Finding an authoritative source can be like finding a needle in a haystack – and there are so many haystacks!

This is why the library website has 20 Research Guides organized by subject to help with just this problem.  Simply follow the link for your subject, and you’ll find research guides with links to books, circulating materials, journals and newspapers, electronic resources, and juried websites. A juried website has been reviewed by professional librarians, and contents have been determined to meet all necessary quality standards.

Your Student ID is your Library Card

Your official Seminole State ID is also your library card. You will need it to check out materials and to copy or print materials from College-owned machines. You will also need to to make Bookstore purchases and to obtain a parking permit. At the Sanford and Altamonte campus the Student ID's are made in the Library. At Oviedo go to the Business Office and at Altamonte it is done at Student Services.

You need to bring a current class schedule (which can be printed out free in the library) and a government-issued photo ID, such as a drivers license.
Click here further information on card services.

Why use Journals?

The information found in journals is useful because it

•  reflects research, academic discourse and opinion
• may not be available in books or other publications

Scholarly research is generally published in journals first. This includes:

• medical discoveries
• technological and experimental breakthroughs
• case studies of groups or companies
• reports on current events

How else are they different from magazine articles?

• Author is usually an expert in the field / discipline
• Content has been critically evaluated by other experts
• Information sources used by the author are cited (in-text citations, works cited/references)

How do I find "scholarly or "Peer-reviewed" articles?

• Some of the library's research databases include scholarly material, such as JSTOR and PsychArticles. For these, the results will all be scholarly.
• Many of the other databases such as Academic Search Complete and OmniFile have an option to search only scholarly/peer-reviewed articles. Scan the databases' search or results page for this limit option.
• Click here to log on to the Library databases

Tag Galaxy

To use Tag Galaxy (really more like a solar system) just enter any word as a "tag" and generate your own Tag Galaxy .

Library Hours Over the Break

Just a quick reminder that the library hours will be changing beginning August 3rd. We will open Monday through Thursday, from 8:00am to 4:00pm. This will give you a chance to return any late books, use our computers, get your IDs made and/or activated, or check out some leisure reading. Regular hours will resume on Monday, August 23rd, when classes begin.

We will also be closed on all day on Thursday, August 12th for a library staff training day. We're getting ready for the Fall term too!

Hope to see you over the break!