Library Literature

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The Basics of Using Library Literature (via FirstSearch)

Library Literature is a database that indexes citations of selected articles (see list of journal titles covered), book chapters, books, book reviews, library school theses, and conference proceedings in the areas of library and information science. Some full-text articles are available through the database. Dates covered are 1984-present, from over 400 journals and 300+ books. The University of Arizona Library licenses Library Literature through OCLC FirstSearch.

To access Library Literature:

1. Go to the library homepage.
2. Click on Article & Database Searching
3. Select Library Science from the "Find Databases in your SUBJECT list"
4. Click Go.
5. Click on Library Literature.

To access the library databases from OFF-CAMPUS, you will need to either:
1) Enter you're last name and CATCard number when prompted after you click on the link for the database. If you do not have a CATCard number yet, contact the SIRLS office. You also need a CATCard to make Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests and to check out books at the library.
OR
2) Log on using VPN (virtual private network) software.

The UA Library has set the default screen in FirstSearch databases to the Advanced Search screen. Here is where you can enter your search terms and set limits on your search, such as dates, record type, language, and other fields:

You can do a simple keyword search to get started, or you can browse the index for various fields...

...such as Author, Descriptors, Descriptors Phrase, Source, Subject, etc.

 

...and get a list of index terms. Click on the term/phrase you want...

 

...and it will be inserted in your search box. Then click on Search:

This is an example List of Records from a Descriptors Phrase search on "scholarly publishing":

Note that the search resulted in almost 1,000 records. At the top of the screen, click on Limit to limit your search by various criteria - author, subject headings, year, record type, language. You can also revise your search and set these limits by returning to the Advanced Search screen (see Advanced under Searching in the column on the left).

Click on the title of an article to get the Detailed Record:

Notice the "In" line (sometimes listed as the "Source" line), which contains information you will need to locate the article - the journal title, volume number, issue number, date, and page numbers. Other information in the record includes the author(s), article title, ISSN if the source is a periodical, the language of the article, and the descriptors.

To see if the library has print or online access to this journal, you would click on the "Article Linker - Search for Article" icon: . For more information about getting articles from citations, see the Getting Materials from Citations guide.

A help button  is located on each screen, with the help contents specific to that screen. For example, if you click on help from the search screen, you will get help contents about searching. From the List of Records screen, you will get help about search results and improving your search. From a Detailed Record screen, you will get help about that screen.

You can email and print your records by clicking on the appropriate icon: 
 

These are just some of the basics of using the Library Literature database! If you have any questions, check the help screens, or email the librarian for Library & Information Science, Mary Feeney.

Tutorial created by Mary Feeney, Librarian for Library & Information Science, The University of Arizona Library.