How do I start searching for library resources?
The best place to start would be to use our library search tool called QuickSearch @ Camp . This search tool is set-up to search all of our resources in the collections/databases available through Paul D. Camp Community College at one time by default (All items). All you have to do is type your keywords in the search box and click Search.
How do I find books for my research?
You can conduct a basic book search by using QuickSearch @ Camp . Type your keywords in the search box and select Books in the first Show Me: drop-down box, then click Search. If you have a specific title or author in mind, you can type that information as your keywords in the search box. The results from this search will identify resources from our print collections, as well as eBooks (electronic books) and audiobooks.
How do I find videos/multimedia for research?
You can conduct a basic video search by using QuickSearch @ Camp . Type your keywords in the search box and select Multimedia in the first Show Me: drop-down box, then click Search. The results from this search will identify resources from our video collections, including online video streaming.
How do I find articles from databases for research?
You can conduct a basic article search by going to QuickSearch @ Camp . Click on Advanced Search, then select Material Type – Articles. Type your keywords in the search box and select Articles in the first Show Me: drop-down box, then click Search.
QuickSearch @ Camp has an Advanced Search feature. You can tell the difference between a Basic/Simple Search and an Advanced Search by the number of text boxes into which you are able to put keywords. Basic/Simple Searches will have a single text box in which to type; Advanced Searches will provide several text boxes and will likely offer other ways to limit or expand your search.
Commonly used search strategies/techniques/tips are: Boolean Operators = AND, OR, NOT Some databases provide a drop-down list for these between text boxes.
Nested Logic = Parentheses ( ) around words that use OR to connect them in a keyword search
Side-by-Side Keywords = Quotation Marks “ “ around compound words or short, common phrases to keep those words together in your results
Truncation = asterisk * (wild card) after a brief form of a keyword to broaden your results
**More detailed instructions on how to use search strategies/techniques/tips are available at Ebsco Tutorials .
How do I find an article from an electronic journal (eJournal)?
If you specifically need journal articles, you can go to QuickSearch @ Camp and use the E-journals feature. From there you will see an A – Z list of the different online databases at your disposal through the VCCS. You can either type in the title of the particular journal/magazine in the search bar, or you may browse the list alphabetically by clicking on the letter in the A – Z list with which your journal/magazine begins.
What newspapers does the college offer?
**Each campus retains a copy of the previous month's issues**
Franklin Campus Newspapers: New Journal & Guide The Smithfield Times Suffolk News-Herald The Tidewater News The Virginian Pilot
Suffolk Campus Newspapers: New Journal & Guide The Smithfield Times Suffolk News-Herald The Virginian Pilot
Can I use resources/materials from other colleges/universities?
There are two ways for those affiliated with Camp to utilize resources from other colleges/universities. You may either request books through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) or get a consortium card .
How do I cite sources for my research project?
The instructor of your course should tell you what style he/she requires. Different academic disciplines require different formats for citation styles. Here are the two most common styles:
Some other common citation styles include:
If you need additional help in conducting research, visit the library, contact us at 757.569.6737 for the Franklin Campus or 757.925.6345 for the Suffolk Campus.
What if I need research assistance from home or after hours?
Currently registered Camp students, faculty, and staff can receive assistance using our Online Live Reference Service called Camp Ask A Librarian. Ask A Librarian enables you and a reference staff member to chat online, in real-time. The service also allows the reference staff to share web pages and other helpful materials to assist you with your research, collaboratively and interactively.