LOEX Conference Proceedings 2012

Document Type

To Go: Learning on the Go, Anytime, Anywhere

Publication Date

11-2014

Abstract

The use of a discovery layer transforms the process of identifying and accessing library resources, including archival, published, and virtual historical primary sources. The content of a discovery layer database is not identical with the sum of the online catalog plus the various databases to which the library subscribes. Some kinds of historical primary sources, or their finding aids, may not be included. Even when virtual resources are included in the discovery layer database, reliable access to full text may not be easily available. However, some virtual resources which were not previously accessible through library databases may now be easily discoverable and accessible through the discovery layer. In addition, the resources that are searchable in the discovery layer database may be much more likely to be discovered by a researcher since they are no longer sequestered in a specialized database.

The presenters compare teaching strategies used for historical primary sources before and after Summon implementation. They use classroom examples to demonstrate how students can effectively utilize Summon’s searchable, library-specific, interdisciplinary database. Classroom examples are also used to demonstrate when and how to teach the use of other tools for discovering and accessing historical primary sources.

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