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 Catalog" 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: Each student, faculty, and staff user must register their MCard in person at the Circulation Desk before borrowing from the library. Once registered, an MCard serves as a library card at Welder Library and at any other Central Dakota Library Network (CDLN) member library, which includes both Mandan and Bismarck public libraries.
Holders of library cards from other Central Dakota Library Network (CDLN) member libraries are honored by the Welder Library. Online-only students will need to 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 are generally borrowed for 30 days, though this may vary slightly depending on the type of item or if it is an item from a partner library. So long as the item has not been requested by another person, each item may be renewed 2 times for an additional 2 weeks each.
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 search results.
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 search results.
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 using the available filters.
Q: The article I want doesn't have a link to full text journals in the databases. How do I obtain the article?
A: Visit Interlibrary Loan and submit a request for the item. If you are specifically using an EBSCOhost database, there may be a "Request This Item" link that will automatically take you to Interlibrary Loan, but you are always able to submit a request manually, even if this link is not available.
Q: How can I broaden my database search to find more results?
A: Broaden your search by using different keywords or a different combination 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 most databases, you will find filtering options on a left sidebar or under an "Advanced Search" option. Most databases also have the option 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 701-355-3711.
Please note that the Welder Librarians do not have the ability to reset UMary email account passwords.
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 or our local library system. Nearly all media, including print books, eBooks, 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 tutorials 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: The University of Mary has several resources for using the four style manuals used at the University of Mary, including the AMA Manual of Style, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Chicago Manual of Style, and the MLA Handbook.