General reference sources are used to gain basic knowledge about a topic. The information found here will suggest additional keywords for a topic, place the topic within a wider context, and frequently will offer narrower terms that make the topic more specific. At the OWHL, during our period of transition to a new library, our print reference collection has been reduced. Therefore one must make sure to search our EVERGREEN online catalog to find those virtual reference sources available.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Library Catalog
Oliver Wendell Holmes Library Catalog
| Keyword Searching | |
| Typically, when you search, you will use keywords. Simply enter the basic ideas/keywords of your topic in the search box. The computer will search for books containing those keywords in the title, subjects, and descriptions of the books. | |
| Subject Searching | |
| Subject searching is more powerful than keyword searching. It allows you to use a specific vocabulary to find books in the catalog. To find a good subject, look at the display page of a book you already like. Click on the subject link to run a search |
There are several reference databases that the OWHL subscribes to for your use. I have listed the top three here. To see all of the databases available please go to the Library's A to Z list of Databases.