Connect to electronic course reserves from the Libraries' home page. In the top gray toolbar, click on
COURSE RESERVES and search by Instructor Name, Course Name, or Course Number. For each reserve item, click on "DETAIL" to display
an "Online Content:" link to full text.
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How do I place a hold when I get the message: "Privilege Has Expired"?
Visit a lending services desk at any Penn State library or chat with a librarian online. A library staff member can extend your privilege
after verifying the accuracy of your library registration.
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How do I find scholarly and peer-reviewed journal articles?
Scholarly Journals publish articles written by scholars and researchers to advance knowledge in a discipline or to engage professionals
in scholarly discussions. Before publication, most scholarly articles go through a peer-review process where other scholars in the same
field critique the work. Scholarly articles are written in a formal style, often including an abstract, literature review, detailed methodology,
and references. Review the key features of
Types of Periodicals and Journals to learn more. How do I find Scholarly Journal Articles?
The University Libraries subscribes to a wide range of databases containing full-text scholarly journal articles. Many undergraduates find it convenient
to start with ProQuest, a multi-disciplinary database that includes full-text of selected scholarly journals in disciplines ranging from
the arts and humanities to science and technology. Just click on the "Scholarly Journals" tab in ProQuest search results to display them. For advanced
research, identify the database devoted to your topic discipline by checking the
Articles By Subject List or by asking a librarian by chat, email, phone, or in-person.
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How do I search library databases when I'm away from campus?
Use the LIAS-VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect to University Libraries databases as if you were "on campus." The LIAS-VPN connection is required
for off-campus access to a few library databases, and it may resolve intermittent access problems with others. You may already have Penn State VPN software on your
computer if you use it to access the wireless Internet on campus. If not, download and install the VPN client software at
http://downloads.its.psu.edu (There, select "Connecting to Penn State," then "VPN--Virtual Private Network"). Once installed, open the VPN client (look for the program
named "Cisco Systems VPN Client"), scroll down the list. select LIAS-VPN, then click on "Connect." When prompted, enter your PSU Access Account ID and password.
Remember, you must connect through the LIAS-VPN option to gain access to library databases.
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How do I cite a journal article found in a library database?
To cite an article from a database in APA style, include the following elements: Author, Date of publication, Title
of article, Name of periodical, Volume and issue numbers, Page numbers, DOI (digital object identifier), Name of database,
if there is no DOI, Document number, if there is no DOI. (see an example at http://dianahacker.com/pdfs/Hacker-Cit-APA-Dbase-RD4.pdf)
To cite an article from a database in MLA style, include the following elements: Author, Title of article, Name of
periodical,volume and issue numbers, Date of publication, Inclusive pages, Name of database, Name of subscription service,
Library at which you retrieved the source, Date of access, URL of service. (see an example at http://dianahacker.com/pdfs/Hacker-Cit-MLA-Dbase-RD4.pdf)
Connect to electronic course reserves from the Libraries' home page. In the top gray toolbar, click on
COURSE RESERVES and search by Instructor Name, Course Name, or Course Number. Look for the entry: "Audio files on electronic
reserve," and click on "Audio files" to open the web page with links to your assigned audio files. Software You Need to Listen:
VPN Client: users accessing with cable modem or DSL connections from off campus need to download the university's VPN client.
RealPlayer required: download free RealPlayer software for Macintosh or for Windows. For additional information, visit: Audio Electronic Reserves and
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How do I view the full text e-books in netLibrary?
To have full privileges when you connect to netLibrary from the CAT, you must first create a free netLibrary account:
STEP1) Go to the Databases By Title List; scroll down, and click on netLibrary.
STEP2) In netLibrary, click on "create a free account" in the upper right corner, and complete the account form.
STEP3)Now, when you go to netLibrary from the Databases List or from a CAT search, LOG IN (in the upper left corner) for full viewing privileges.
Learn more about netLibrary from the netLibrary Guide.
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How do I search the CAT for videos, DVDs, music CDs, or audiobooks?
Use the "Advanced Search" form in The CAT, and change the MATERIAL
TYPE option to the format of your choice: VIDEO MATERIAL or AUDIO MATERIAL. For additional search tips for finding music and audiobooks, visit:
How to Find Audio (music, books).
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How do I resolve overdue and fine questions?
Contact Lending Services by phone (814-865-5429) or by email (lendingsvcs@psulias.psu.edu).
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How do I use Penn State libraries if I am not a Penn State student, faculty, or staff?
Visit any Penn State library for access to local library resources and a wide range of electronic databases.
Remote access to the CAT (online catalog) is available with a Resident PA library registration and a Friends of Penn State account. See complete instructions at:
http://cat.libraries.psu.edu/libfps/. Remote access to Penn State databases is
limited to currently enrolled or employed student, faculty, and staff. However, non-university patrons may gain remote access to a select group of databases through
membership in the Penn State Alumni Association. Anyone may join the Penn State Alumni Association. Learn more about the databases available through the Alumni
Association at the Penn State Alumni Library.
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home page to contact
a librarian, or browse additional questions and answers at the
UP Service Desk Knowledgebase