Accessing Library Resources from Off Campus
Even when you're not at Carleton, you can still use the library's online resources (e.g., subscriptions to journals, bibliographic databases). Just log in first to the proxy server and you'll be able to access the library's resources as if you were here.
When the Library Doesn't Have What You Want
When you need to read an article, working paper, or book but you can't find it in the Libe's collections, you have more options than pulling out your wallet. The Inter-Library Loan (ILL) service makes it possible for the library to borrow materials from other libraries for you to use.
Look for links to ILL or Illiad (which is the name of our ILL software) from article databases, which will lead you to a request form. You can also go directly to ILL from the library web site (home page > login/your accounts > InterLibrary Loan), where you can also check the status of your requests. Articles take a few days and books around a week. You'll get an email when your item is ready.
- WorldCat This link opens in a new window(Searches through citation information)
Search for library materials, especially books, that Carleton may not have. You can include searches for articles if desired. When you find something you want, order it through ILL by clicking on the "Request item through InterLibrary Loan" link.
- Interlibrary LoanInterLibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows Carleton students, staff, and faculty to request items that Carleton and St. Olaf do not own from other libraries.
"Can I Get This Article?"
Ways to Search Within a Journal
Finding Data from the Literature
At the very first stages of your literature review, start taking notes on potential data sources. Make a habit of jotting down the data used in each study you read to make it faster when you come back later in your search for data. Also, this practice can help you see and articulate how your contribution is unique. You might want to keep these notes in a table like the following for easy reference.
| Author(s) and Year of Publication | Claim | Data | Dependent Variable/Estimation Technique | Significant Findings |
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See an example of this practice in action:
- Comparing Data SourcesAn example of this practice being used in an economics paper.
- Data Reference Worksheet (PDF version)A worksheet for brainstorming places to look for data, containing a grid for organizing literature on the second page.
