• Home
• Information Resources
• Research Assistance
• Library Services
• Library Catalog
• About the Library

 I. Library Homepage

• Provides access to the catalog (OPAC), databases, interlibrary loan forms, etc.

II. Finding Books at the Potter Library

• Catalog: use this to find books, journal titles NOT ARTICLES, government documents, reserve items, music,and movies owned by the Library. You may limit a search by language, year(s) of publication, type of material, etc. This may take a few seconds to load.

• Search the catalog using Keywords to find material
  • For example: search for feminism to locate a broad range of material and look for ideas for your project

  Tips

1. Start with broad searches. It is much easier to discard too much rather than start with too little.
2. If you don't know the Subject Heading, use the Related Records tab located on the top of a catalog record to get to the headings. This will help you focus in on more relevant material.
3. Can "virtually" browse the shelves by clicking on the call number in a record.

III. Reference Material

• The reference stacks are located on the 3rd floor (this is also the library's entrance).
• Some useful materials for your projects:

Encyclopedia of contemporary American culture	E169.12.E49
Women, science, and technology : a reader in feminist science studies	Q130 .W678
The atlas of American society	HN60.A5
Empowerment and poverty reduction	HN981.C6 E47

Tips

1. Use reference sources to find citations to additional books and articles.

IV. Electronic Resources

• Some useful Databases for your projects:

1. Always switch to the Advance Search page in a database. This will give you more control over your results.
2. Always use Boolean Operators-AND, OR, NOT when running a search. For Example: feminism and art
3. Always check your Spelling if the database results are Zero.

Journal Finder: this provides information regarding if a journal is available full-text online, in print in the library, or available on microfilm. You will find links to it in the databases as "Check Availability".

Interlibrary Loan: allows students to borrow a book or article that the Potter library does not own. There is a link from the Journal Finder page.

V. Bibliographies

• Use the Citing Websites and Print Sources for citation style guidance.

VI. Web Sources

Selected Web Links for Research: This is a directory page of resources available to the public. These resources have been recommended by the library faculty.

Evaluating Websites: This chart outlines how to look at websites critically.

Need more help? Visit or call the Reference Desk: 201.684.7574

Use QandA NJ a 24/7 virtual chat with a reference librarian.