Got Papers Due? Let the Port Jefferson Library help!

       It’s the time of year. Spring break is over and for college students the semester is coming to a close. Essays and papers will soon be coming due. Let the Port Jefferson Free Library help!

    The Port Jefferson Free Library is here for you!The Library offers access to some of the best databases, both in library or via remote access. JStor, Credo Reference, EBSCO host: Masterfile Premier.  All you need is your library card. Remote access users can access the databases through the Library’s home page. Click the “Research Resources” button http://www.portjefflibrary.org/research.html Additional resources can be accessed through “Live-brary” http://www.live-brary.com/online-resources The sources are listed by topic (arts and humanities, consumer information etc) as well as in alphabetical order by title.

    The Library holds a non fiction collection that can assist you in your research. Should you need a book that is not in the Library’s holdings, please speak with a Reference librarian about interlibrary loan. Books can quickly and easily be sent from other Suffolk County libraries. The Library will call as soon as the item is ready.

     When preparing to write a term paper four tissues should be be kept in mind. It is important to have a clear understanding of the topic, the scope of the paper, and an understanding of the basic divisions of the topic. Important questions to answer before starting should be; is the paper about a single subject or is a compare and contrast? Is the subject being traced over time or in a single aspect? Some topics, while interesting, are massive in scope. It will be necessary to narrow the focus to something that can be covered within the allowed page limits.Without a topic? Try 10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects, Reports, and Speeches http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b2548097~S50

    Once a topic has been selected and then refined it is time to figure out how the paper should be divided. Regardless of topic, any paper requires a thesis statement at the beginning of the paper . A thesis statement is designed to sum up the point of the paper in a single phrase. This sounds easy, but in reality is a bit of challenge. An introduction will follow. The topics covered should be listed in the exact order that they will be discussed/explored in the paper. A nicely written conclusion that sums up the main idea(s) and points of the paper is crucial. If you need assistance in writing any parts of you paper, the Harbrace College Handbook http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b1589187~S50 is a valuable resource with information about punctuation, sentence structure, and actual paper writing. Correct grammar and spelling are musts.

    One of the biggest issues with term papers, especially on the college level is the issue of plagiarism. Papers must be completely and correctly cited with either footnotes or endnotes for the text and a “Work Cited” or bibliography offering  a complete list of sources.  Any material that does not come from the writers’ own store of knowledge must be given the proper citation.

    MLA or Modern Language Association is the most common citation style. For informationon how to cite sources in MLA style, consult the MLA Handbook http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4127848~S50

    Students in social sciences often use the APA(American Psychological Association) style of citation. The Publication Manual of the APA http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b1408104~S50

    Another citation style that is used is the Chicago Manual of Style http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4277093~S50

    The Port Jefferson Free Library and its reference librarians can help you with all of your research paper needs from locating sources as part of your intital research to helping create the citations that go at the end of your paper. Remember our “Quiet Study Porch” where you can plug in your laptop and use our wireless and work on your paper in peace!