The purpose of this course research guide is to acquaint you with some of the resources in the University Library useful for doing research on themes from Ranier Maria Rilke's poetry. Should you have questions, stop by the Reference Desk on the first floor. You may also call the Reference Desk at (334) 229-4110 during the hours the Library is open.

Reference Sources

Sources in the Library's Reference Collection and similar sources online are a great place to start your research. You'll be able to use these later when you search for articles and books. As you continue with your research, you may find that you need to return to these reference sources for additional information.

Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Subject dictionaries and encyclopedias focus on specific subject areas. Below are a few examples of these encyclopedias. Ask at the Main Reference Desk on the first floor for assistance with finding a subject encyclopedia that is appropriate for your paper topic.

• New Bible Dictionary
  Main Reference Desk: BS 440 .N48 1996
• Encyclopedic Dictionary of Religion
  Main Reference: BR 95 .E494
• New Catholic Encyclopedia
  Main Reference: BX 841 .N44 1967
• New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology
  Main Reference: BS 2397 .N48 1986
• The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
  Main Reference: BR 95 .O8 1997
• Universal Jewish Encyclopedia
  Main Reference: DS 102.8 U5
• Book of Jewish Knowledge
  Main Reference: BM 50 .A8

General dictionaries and encyclopedias look at many different subject areas. You've probably used this type of encyclopedia for research projects before and may even have one, like the World Book, at home. Several general encyclopedias are located in the Reference area on the first floor. You might also want to try an online encyclopedia like:

• Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (ASU)
• Encyclopaedia Britannica Online (ASU)

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Magazine & Journal Articles

The best method for finding magazine and journal articles is to use one of the Library's online article databases. These are now easily accessible in the residence halls and off campus by clicking on the database name and typing in the information requested. If you need additional assistance with accessing the databases, contact Randy Curtis (334 229-6968) or Cedric Davis (334 229-6998).

Some of the article databases include the entire text of articles. If the text of an article is not available in a database, check for the magazine or journal title in:

• Serials Solutions (ASU) - Is it available in another database?
• HORNetCat - Is it available in the Serials Department on the Library's third floor?

Let's take a look at a database for finding articles on a wide variety of topics.

• Academic Search Premier (ASU)

Oh no! The system is down. What do I do now? Don't despair. The Library subscribes to print indexes where you can find information on articles that may be in the Serials Department. You are probably already familiar with this index:

• Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature
  Serials: 3rd floor

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Books

Because of their length, books provide a more in-depth look at topics than articles do.

• HORNetCat - for finding books in the Library

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Citing Your Sources

A copy of MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is available at the Main Reference Desk on the first floor of the Library.

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Your Comments

Please take a few minutes to let us know what you think about this guide. Has it helped with your research? Do you have any suggestions for improving the guide? You may e-mail Marsha V. Taylor(mvtaylor@alasu.edu) or call her at (334) 229-6839 with your comments and suggestions.

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