Module 3: Locating and Accessing Information

Organization of Information Sources

Physical and online information sources are organized differently. When searching in library catalogs or databases, it is important to consider these differences. For example:

• Books in the LSSC libraries' physical collections are organized using the Library of Congress Classification System, which specifies subject headings and call numbers
• Library databases organize material by subject but are also searchable by keyword and other search fields
• Online databases sometimes have their own subject headings (for example: Medical Subject Headings in the CINAHL nursing database)
• Online databases are organized to cover either general or specific subject topics
• Database search results are typically organized by date, from newest to oldest, as a default
• Search results can usually be reorganized by publication type, relevancy, etc. after a search has been done

The following pages will explain these differences and demonstrate the best methods for finding the information you need.