Where do you find books in the library?
How can I locate scholarly journal articles?
Can I access library materials from home?
What topic should I choose for my research paper/class presentation?
What do I need to bring with me to check out books?
My instructor put a book/video/CD on reserve.  Where do I get it?

Q:  Where do you find books in the library?

In order to find books, you need to use the Archway Online Catalog.  This is accessed from our web page at http://www.stchas.edu/library under the Find a Book button.  See the Archway Online Catalog Searching Guide for detailed information on searching the catalog.  Books that can be checked out are located on the 2nd floor; reference books are located on the 1st floor.

Q:  How can I locate scholarly journal articles?

Scholarly articles can be found by using the Academic Search Elite or Psychology and Behavioral Sciences databases under Find an Article.  From the main screen of the database, click in the Peer Reviewed box to limit your search to scholarly (or peer-reviewed) articles.

Q:  Can I access library materials from home?

If you have a computer with an Internet connection*, you can access library resources from our web page at http://www.stchas.edu/library.  All users can access the majority of the resources on the page, including the Archway Online Catalog/MOBIUS and the Research Guides.  However, only current students, faculty and staff can access the Find an Article page.

If you live closer to another academic library in the state, you can request books from the SCC Library and pick them up from many academic libraries throughout the state of Missouri. Click here for more information on pickup anywhere.

*Please note:  You may not be able to access the Find an Article page from work, depending upon your employer's computer security system.

Q:  What topic should I choose for my research paper/class presentation?

You should always try to find a topic of interest to you.  It is also a good idea to discuss your topic with your professor to be certain it is appropriate for the class.  The library has a number of sources that give you ideas for topics, such as:

10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects, Reports & Speeches (book)
REF / LB 1047.3 .L35 1998

CQ Researcher (database)

Opposing Viewpoints (database)

The reference area consists of numerous subject encyclopedias as well.  These encyclopedias give you good background information in particular subject areas, which can help you pick out or narrow down a topic.  Ask the reference librarians to suggest a subject encyclopedia in the area you are interested in.

Q: What do I need to bring with me to check out books?

You must bring your student ID with you to check out books.  For your student ID to be valid it must have been issued since August 2004.

Q:  My instructor put a book/video/CD on reserve.  Where do I get it?

Reserve materials are kept behind the circulation desk.  You must know your instructor's LAST NAME in order for us to locate the material, since they are shelved by instructor name.  Bring your student ID with you to check out the material from the circulation desk.