Research
tools abundant at library
By Min Kang
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Cal State Long Beach University Library offers a variety of services available
to students to help them on- and off-campus.
While students are on campus, the library offers personal librarians who specialize
in specific departments. Students can make appointments with a department librarian
for help; however, reference librarians are constantly available to help students.
“
Whenever I’ve had a question at the library there were people who were
happy to help me,” said senior Jennifer Len.
If a student prefers to search on his or her own, computers are located on
each floor for access to COAST, the University Library database, to search
the library for sources and also to check the availability of a specific book.
The library not only carries books for students, it also has collections of
foreign language books as well as a children’s section, microfilms and
audio books.
A copy center is located on the first floor across from the circulations desk.
Rows of computers give access to COAST and the Internet. A computer lab
on the underground level is available for students to do research, complete
assignments and surf the Internet.
While off campus, the University Library offers students access to digital
research databases and textbooks on reserve, which are accessible through COAST.
To log onto COAST, one must go to the library and create a personal identification
number (PIN). This PIN allows access to COAST anywhere Internet service
is available.
“
It’s great that you can access the library online at home. It’s
very convenient,” Len said.
This service allows students to conduct research with credible sources without
having to go to the library.
On COAST, several different guides, such as RefWorks and Link+, aid students
in their research. According to the library Web site, RefWorks is a personal
Web-based database, which helps students manage their research citations. Link+
is another service for students when the material desired is not available
in the University Library’s circulation. The library can locate the material
and have it delivered to the University Library within five to seven working
days.
More information on library services can be obtained through the University
Library Web site at www.csulb.edu/library.
To speak with a member of the library’s staff, call (562) 985-8472.
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