29 The Library - Information Venues (Information Research)
Description
This article is from the Information Research FAQ, by David Novak david@spireproject.com with numerous contributions by others.
29 The Library - Information Venues (Information Research)
links and more at http://spireproject.com/library.htm
Libraries are integral parts to the research process if for no other
reason than public funds are used to buy the expensive research tools
you will occasionally use. More and more libraries are extending their
reference collections to include CD-ROMs and computer resources.
Specialty libraries are special. Focus allows for far greater expertise
and innovative research resources. Specialty libraries are prime
research venues, and specialty librarians are considerable reservoirs
of research expertise. All government agencies, and many large
corporations & wealthy associations, have specialty libraries. While
many may not invite public access, almost all are universally open to
you.
* Very large libraries, by virtue of their sheer size, become important
research resources. This would include the US Library of Congress, the
British Library, the [UK] COPAC unified library catalogue, the National
Library of Australia, and the National Library of Canada.
* To find a specific library websites, visit either Libweb
(http://sunsite.Berkeley.edu/Libweb/ ) or Libdex
(http://www.libdex.com) or a few other link sites.
* A directory of specialist libraries will direct you to the highly
focused libraries found within corporate, association or government
organizations. An Australian directory exists online. The Directory of
Special Libraries in Australia by ALIA is the definitive source.
American Library Directory is a commercial database and probably a
print directory too.
Note: All these libraries will probably let you access information - if
you come asking kindly with specific information in mind. Always ask
how you would gain access, and assume access is possible (though not
policy).
There are also a collection of mixed information directories which are
research-worthy. Croner's A-Z of [UK] Business Information Sources and
the Aslib Directory of Information Sources in the United Kingdom are
prominent examples. These directories appear to be less than definitive
but the ASLIB Directory (the larger of the two at 1500+ pages) is
certainly something to behold. Aslib, under the subject "Egypt" lists
the British Museum, the Egypt Exploration Society, the Tutankhamun
Exhibition, and the York College of Further & Higher Education - all
with really good contact details.
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