Master the Art of E-Books: Research Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Finding Cambridge Collections Online
   • 2.1 Accessing the Database
   • 2.2 Searching for Companions to Major Authors and Literature Periods
3. Browsing Titles in Cambridge Collections Online
4. Conducting a Quick Search
5. Performing a Full Text Search
6. Exploring Advanced Search Options
   • 6.1 Using Subjects and Full Text Fields
   • 6.2 Using Titles and Subjects Fields
   • 6.3 Using Text Extract or Abstract Field
7. Accessing and Navigating Chapter Results
8. Understanding Citation and Abstracts
9. Viewing Chapter Content and Full Text
10. Saving, Printing, and Emailing Chapters
11. MLA Citation Guidelines
12. Using Advanced Search for Specific Topics
13. Conclusion

Finding Quality Ebooks for Literary Research: An In-depth Guide to Cambridge Collections Online

When conducting literary research, finding the right resources is crucial. In this tutorial, we will explore Cambridge Collections Online, a comprehensive database of ebooks that provides companions to major authors and literature periods. Whether You're researching specific works, authors, or literary themes, Cambridge Collections Online offers a wealth of valuable content to enhance your research process. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step on how to access and effectively utilize the resources available in Cambridge Collections Online.

2. Finding Cambridge Collections Online

2.1 Accessing the Database

To begin your search, navigate to the library homepage. From there, click on "Articles, Research, and More" to access a list of available databases. Choose "Electronic Books" from the dropdown menu under "Choose a Database by Publication Type." In the list of electronic book databases, you will find the link to Cambridge Collections Online, provided by Cambridge University Press.

2.2 Searching for Companions to Major Authors and Literature Periods

When accessing Cambridge Collections Online, you have two main search options: browsing and searching. If you prefer to browse, click on the "Cambridge Companions to Literature and Classics" link, which will display a list of over a hundred titles covering major authors and literature periods. The titles are listed alphabetically, making it easy to locate the specific companion you need for your research.

If you have a specific author or work in mind, you can perform a quick search. Simply type the author's name, either the full name or just the last name, or the complete title of the work you're researching. Enclose the name or title in quotation marks for more accurate results. For example, searching "Jeffrey Chaucer" or "Canterbury Tales" will narrow down the search to more specific references.

7. Accessing and Navigating Chapter Results

Once you've initiated a search, the database will display a list of chapter results related to your search query. You may Notice that some chapters mention your keyword in the title, while others may reference it within the chapter content. The most Relevant results will be displayed at the top of the list.

To explore a specific chapter, click on the chapter title link. This will redirect you to a page containing a brief citation for the book chapter, an abstract or excerpt from the beginning of the chapter, and the chapter content. The search terms you entered will be highlighted, allowing you to quickly identify their locations within the chapter.

9. Viewing Chapter Content and Full Text

To access the full content of a chapter, simply click on the link provided in the "Chapter Content" section. The chapters are presented in PDF format, allowing for easy saving, printing, or emailing. Upon opening the chapter, you will find a toolbar with various options, including printing and saving. If you wish to email the chapter to yourself, save the PDF to your computer and attach it to an email.

11. MLA Citation Guidelines

While the database provides a brief citation for each chapter, it's important to note that these citations may not be accurate for MLA formatting. To ensure proper citation, consult the MLA Handbook guidelines. The handbook will provide step-by-step instructions on how to Create accurate citations for your research papers.

13. Conclusion

Cambridge Collections Online is a valuable resource for conducting literary research. Its expansive collection of ebooks, companions to major authors, and literature periods offers in-depth insights to enhance your academic work. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can effectively navigate the database, access relevant chapters, and integrate valuable content into your research papers. Happy researching!

Highlights

• Cambridge Collections Online is a comprehensive database of ebooks that provides companions to major authors and literature periods.
• Accessing the database allows researchers to find relevant and reliable resources for literary research.
• Browsing and searching options are available in Cambridge Collections Online.
• Chapter results provide brief citations, abstracts, and highlighted search terms.
• View the full content of chapters in PDF format, with options for saving, printing, and emailing.
• Proper MLA citation guidelines should be followed when citing sources from Cambridge Collections Online.

FAQ

Q: Can I access Cambridge Collections Online from off-campus? A: Yes, Cambridge Collections Online can be accessed off-campus. However, please note that the database may run a little slower when accessed from off-campus.

Q: Can I browse for specific literary periods in Cambridge Collections Online? A: Yes, you can browse for companions to specific literature periods in Cambridge Collections Online. The database provides a list of titles covering major authors and literature periods, listed alphabetically for easy navigation.

Q: Can I save and print chapters from Cambridge Collections Online? A: Yes, you can save and print chapters from Cambridge Collections Online. The chapters are presented in PDF format, allowing for easy saving, printing, and emailing.

Q: Are the citations provided by Cambridge Collections Online accurate for MLA formatting? A: While the database provides brief citations for each chapter, it is recommended to consult the MLA Handbook guidelines for accurate MLA formatting. The handbook will provide detailed instructions on how to create proper citations for your research papers.