Go to the Edison State College (ESC) Libraries’ homepage. Find the links to the Libraries’ two main research tools: the online catalog and subscription databases.
What is the Online Catalog?
The online catalog provides access to all resources owned by ESC Libraries, including books, scholarly journals, magazines, newspapers, eBooks, DVDs, and videos.
You may search by keyword, title, author, or subject. The catalog defaults to a keyword search.
Enter your search terms in the search field, and click Search.
Click on the titles of the resources you want to learn more about from the list of records.
Click on the subject links within each record to find related works.
Click on the campus link for location and availability information.
Click on the Request link to request a book that is checked out or located at another campus.
Write down the call number and location, and go get your resource.
What is an eBook?
The ESC Libraries subscribe to thousands of eBooks: electronic copies of books stored online, also called online books. Advantages of using eBooks include electronically searchable contents, instantaneous access from any place and at any time, and the ability to view a book online from a PC, Mac, laptop, or PDA.
How Do I Access the Libraries’ eBooks?
To access only eBooks from the Libraries’ online catalog, limit your search to eBooks by selecting eBooks from the Format drop down menu.
Enter your search terms.
Click on the eResources link from the record of the eBook you want to access.
Enter your ESC Library Card borrower ID and pin number, and click Log on.
To access eBooks from the Libraries’ databases, click on All Databases from the Libraries’ homepage.
Enter your ESC Library Card borrower ID and pin number, and click Log on.
Click on the eBooks subject category link.
Select an eBooks database, and start searching.
What is a Subscription Database?
A subscription database is a collection of regularly updated scholarly journal, newspaper, and magazine articles, as well as eBooks, reviews, excerpts from books, reports, and primary sources. A full text database provides access to most articles in their entirety, which you can view, save, email, and print.
How Do I Use the Libraries’ Subscription Databases?
Click on All Databases, the link to the Libraries’ subscription databases.
Enter your ESC Library Card borrower ID and pin number, and click Log on.
Click on a particular subject category to learn which databases support research in that subject, or click on the Alphabetical tab to view a list of all subscription databases in alphabetical order.
Click on the title of the database you want to search, and Connect to Database.
Enter your search terms and click search, go,or start.
How Do I Log on to the Libraries’ Subscription Resources?
To log on to the Libraries’ eBooks or databases, or to request a resource, enter the barcode number on the back of your ESC Library Card in the Borrower ID field.
Enter your pin number—the last four digits of your social security number—in the Pin field.
Click Log on.
Can a Librarian Help Me?
ESC Librarians are available to help you with your research. Do not hesitate to email, call, or drop by an ESC Library for help. Click on Request Instruction Sessions from the Libraries’ homepage for more information. If the Libraries are closed, consult Ask a Librarian.
What is Ask a Librarian?
Ask a Librarian is a free online chat service staffed by academic librarians throughout the State of Florida to help students with their research. Use this interactive service when you need research assistance right away, in real time, and the ESC Libraries are closed.
Where Can I Get More Information about Library Research?
Learn more about conducting research by visiting the ESC Libraries’ Research Tutorial. The Tutorial provides in depth information and instructions for determining research needs, identifying research topics, developing search strategies, using various search tools, retrieving information, and evaluating and citing resources.
How Do I Access the ESC Libraries’ Research Tutorial?
