Finding Books & Materials
Search the library Online Catalog to find books, eBooks, DVDs. Course Reserves, and other library materials. From the catalog you will be able to see what materials are available in the library, if they are checked out, and if so, when they are due back. If an item is checked out, you can contact the Circulation Desk (760-245-4271, ext. 2262) to place a hold on it. We will contact you when the item is returned. Remember that you will need to bring your current student I.D. or a copy of your registration to checkout materials. For more information, see: Borrowing Materials.
Finding Online Articles and Materials
The library subscribes to online databases that provide access to full-text magazine, scholarly journals, e-books and newspaper articles. Academic Search Complete and Gale One is the main database for finding magazine and journal articles. U.S. Major Dailies is the main database for newspaper articles. If you are researching a controversial topic or looking for ideas for a paper, start with Opposing Viewpoints in Context and CQ Researcher.
All of these resources are accessible from the Databases page of the library's website. Since databases are subscriptions that contain copyright written materials, off-campus access available by using you MyVVC login.
In addition to article databases, the library also subscribes to a number of full-text subject databases, reference eBooks and streaming media that are useful for research in specific subject areas. These include: Biology Journals, Country Watch, CQ Weekly, Films on Demand, History Resource Center, Grove Dictionary of Art, Grove Dictionary of Music, Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and Routledge Religion Resource, and more.
Finding Web Resources
Under Internet Resources, you will find links to Web sites organized by subject area. These sites have been selected by librarians and other faculty members to assist you in finding useful resources on the Web.
Your instructor may require you to evaluate any Web sites that you include in your research for authority and accuracy. If you are not sure of the criteria used to distinguish one Web site from another, read the information under Evaluating Web Sites. Also, if you are in the habit of always searching the Internet the same way, be sure to read the Google Advanced Search Tips page to strengthen your understanding of other search options.
Remember that if you are looking for articles in magazines, journals, or newspapers, use the Library Databases. The full-text of articles found in databases will generally not be available on the Web without paying a fee.
Finding Research Tools
Look under Research Tools for a list of useful guides developed by the librarians to assist you with enhancing your research. Library guides include Subject guides, examples for citing MLA and APA style formats, Understanding Plagiarism, Research Tips (Getting Started), locating Controversial Issues, distinguishing the differences between magazine and journal articles, and much more. Faculty librarians are also available for additional assistance during library business hours. You may reach a librarian by Ask A Librarian virtual chat, by phone 760-245-4271, ext. 2262 or by email at LibraryHelp.