Schedule an individual research appointment with one of our librarians. These can be in person or online. We would be happy to assist you with your research. Click the link below to book a research appointment!
Q: How do I access the library online catalog?
A: Go to the Welder Library webpage. Select the "Library Cataog" to go to the Central Dakota Library Network (CDLN) search page. Search for books and media items in our collection and other CDLN libraries.
Q: How do I borrow library materials from Welder Library?
A: A Mcard is required to borrow Welder Library materials. Each student, faculty, and staff user must register a Mcard in person at the Circulation Desk before borrowing from the library. Holders of library cards from other Central Dakota Library Network (CDLN) member libraries are honored by the Welder Library. Online students must use our Interlibrary Loan service to borrow library materials.
Q: How long can I borrow books and media from Welder Library?
A: Books and media may be borrowed for 30 days, with 2 renewals of 2 weeks duration.
Q: How do I read call numbers on books and media in the Welder Library?
A: Books and media in Welder Library are shelved according to the Library of Congress (LC) Classification system. Each book in the library uses a unique "call number," which is a combination of letters and numbers. A call number is like an address; it describes the exact location of the book and tells you where to find the book on the shelves. It also tells you something about the subject matter of the book. Each call number may contain up to six lines. LC call numbers are read from left to right and from top to bottom. The letters at the beginning of the class number are alphabetical. The numbers immediately following are in numerical order. Cutter numbers are read using a decimal point followed by a letter and a number.
BF Line 1: Defines the general subject class and subclass [B=Philosophy/Religion; BF= Psychology]
1078 Line: 2: Classification number- defines a narrower subtopic [1078=Dreams]
.S5 Line 3: Cutter number - represents the author's last name or the title of the work
1978 Line 4: Publication Year
Q: How do I find a specific book by title?
A: Using our library catalog search box, enter the title of the book. Use the drop down on the left to limit your results to a title search.
Q: How do I find a book on my topic?
A: Using our library catalog search box, enter subject keywords that relate to your search. Use the drop down on the left to limit your results to keyword in subject search.
Q: Does Welder Library have theses available for check out?
A: Welder Library has theses from our Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy students. Dissertations and thesis may be checked out for one month.
Q: How do I find articles on a topic?
A: In the databases, use the search box to enter your keywords. Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) can be useful in limiting or expanding your search.
Q: How do I find a specific article?
A: In most databases, you can search for a specific article by entering the title into the search box.
Q: How do I find a peer-reviewed article?
A: In most databases, you may limit your search results to peer-reviewed articles only.
Q: The article I want doesn't have a link to full text journals in the databases. How do I obtain the article?
A: In EBSCOhost databases, you may use the "Request This Item" link to request it through Interlibrary Loan. If this link is not available, please use Interlibrary Loan to complete a blank article request form.
Q: How can I broaden my database search to find more results?
A: Broaden your search by using different keywords or a different combinations of keywords. Within an article you can click on relevant subject headings to populate a new search.
Q: How can I limit my database search to refine my results?
A: In the EBSCOhost databases, you can find tools on the left side. You have the options to limit by full-text or peer-reviewed journals. You can also narrow by the publication date.
Q: What can I do if I'm having trouble with logging into the database from off campus?
A: To log into any database at Welder Library, you need your UMary email address and password. If you are having login troubles, review these helpful strategies:
If these strategies do not help, please reach out to the OIT department at helpdesk@umary.edu or 877-736-2577.
Q: What is Interlibrary Loan?
A: Interlibrary Loan (ILL) supports the educational, research, and scholarly activities of University of Mary students, faculty, and staff by obtaining research material not owned by the Welder Library. Nearly all media including print, digital books and periodicals are available by request through ILL.
Q: How can I request books through Interlibrary Loan?
A: University of Mary students, faculty, and staff may borrow materials through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). To borrow materials via ILL, users must create an ILL account. For more information, view the ILL video tutorial or call (701) 355-8070 for assistance with ILL.
Q: I'm in need of citation help. Where can I find help with a citation?
A: Welder Library offers citation guides for AMA, APA, Chicago and MLA. Purdue Owl is also a great resource for citation help. On campus students may check out the UMary Writing Center.