Online Libraries
Libraries now have online web pages which allow you to search for books, audio discs, research items, and more. If you are in college, your school library should have an online library where you can search for items you need to research and write a paper, conduct background research for a new research project that you are doing, and more. If you are working, or in school, there are online public libraries. Some public libraries and college libraries allow you to read some items online, and to place a "hold" on items that you need to pick up at the library. Many libraries participate in an inter-library loan system. If Library A has a book, but your library is Library C, then Library C can have Library A send them the book, and you can go to your Library C to check out the book.
Most online libraries are in layers. For example, if you are researching a person such as George Washington, you might go to the "History" section first, then to "United States," then to "Presidents," and finally to "George Washington." Once you are on "George Washington," there will probably be sub categories such as "Politics," "Revolution," "Farming," and others. Once you have narrowed down the categories to one, that section might have hundreds of listings for books, articles, papers, and so on. Another method for researching "George Washington" is to use the "Search" box on the web page. While this is quick, you will probably get everything, and the categories may be mixed. The term "drill down" is to start with a definite idea in mind, then carefully work your way down to precisely what you need.
Having the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a very quick method to find the book you need for a class. You can learn more about ISBN numbers at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Number. If you go to the preceding link, use Alt left arrow or the Backspace key to come back to this page. See ISBN and ISSN information at: http://www.ala.org/tools/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet28 Remember to either Alt left arrow or hit Backspace to return to this page.
Specific online libraries for people who have print reading limitations follow. If you go to one of these sites, use Alt left arrow or Backspace until you get back to this page.
NLS BARD: http://brlsts.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83%3Anls-bard
Bookshare: http://www.brlsts.com/Bookshare%20Links.html
Learning Ally: http://www.brlsts.com/Learning%20Ally%20Links.html
There are thousands of libraries world wide. One resource that you can check out from your local public library, or school library is the American Library Directory. Visit the American Library Association (ALA) web page to see which of your local libraries have the American Library Directory book. There will be an edit box for Zip Code titled "Enter your location." Once you have put in your Zip Code and hit enter, at http://www.worldcat.org/title/american-library-directory-a-classified-list-of-libraries-in-the-united-states-and-canada-with-personnel-and-statistical-data/oclc/2441557, a table will come up just under the edit box area. You will be able to determine which local libraries have this book. If you are planning to move to a new state or city, or are going to college or a new job in a different state or city, this book should help you to determine library resources for the city and college. If you go to this link, use Alt left arrow or Backspace to come back to this page. This book can be used online, and there is a disc version. Information regarding code numbers for these formats are found just below the table of local libraries at the preceding link. You might try checking the Bookshare, NLS BARD and Learning Ally web sites for this book.
University libraries have some common features. They all use a "drill down" type of setup, although the web design for each library can be different. They are tied into very large databases that are common among most of the libraries. You will have to have a university login to access and use the college/university online library. It is absolutely critical that you explore your college/university library, determine how it works, and ask a lot of questions. There may be parts that do not work, therefore, you will need some assistance. It is also important that you inform your college/university if a part of their website is not accessible--this will help to make improvements which benefit you, and your fellow students. Have a mobility lesson which helps you go to the library, then to important parts of the library such as the information or check out desks. In many college libraries there is a room or area designed with equipment such as scanners where you can scan, read and save items that you cannot acquire online. Good library use, online, and at the physical college/university is critical to college success.
Links to online college libraries follow. You can only explore these at the beginning stages, unless you have a login. Get used to the approaches used on the websites. If you go to one of these links, use Alt left arrow of the Backspace key to come back to this page.
Ball State University Libraries "Research Tools" website: http://cms.bsu.edu/academics/libraries/researchtools
Ball State University Libraries: http://cms.bsu.edu/academics/libraries
Ball State University Student Research Resources: http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/svl/
IUPUI University Library: http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/
IUPUI University Library Resources: http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/resources/abc/A
IUPUI University Library Research Guides: http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/research/guide/list
IUPUI University Library Electronic Books: http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/genref/ebooks
Indiana State University Library: http://library.indstate.edu/
Indiana State University Library Information for Students: http://library.indstate.edu/services/students.htm
Indiana State University Library Special Collections: http://library.indstate.edu/about/units/rbsc/
IVY TECH Community College Library: http://www.ivytech.edu/library/
IVY TECH Community College Library Basics of APA Writing: http://libguides.ivytech.edu/APA
IVY TECH Community College Library How to do Research: http://libguides.ivytech.edu/research
Purdue Online Writing Lab: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/10/
American Psychological Association (APA) Writing APA Style: http://www.apastyle.org/
APA Reference Guide PDF: http://lgdata.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/docs/153/797519/APA_Reference_Guide.pdf
Marion County Public Library: http://www.imcpl.org/
Indiana State Library: http://www.in.gov/library/
Library of Congress: Online Catalog: http://catalog.loc.gov/