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Andruss Library Tutorials
Use these tutorials to become familiar using Andruss Library resources
- General Library Research TutorialFor a introduction or refresher on how to do library research, with particular attention to using Andruss Library.
- Using Boolean LogicQuickly reviews the basics of the 'AND', 'OR' & 'NOT' operators to help you search databases more effectively.
'How to' tips & guides
- How to read a research articleA four-step guide for students and for faculty written by Ann McNeal, School of Natural Science, Hampshire College, Amherst MA
Writing the Literature Review Part 1
Very practical dos and don'ts for writing a literature review, primary audience: grad students.
Writing the Literature Review Part 2
Part two of a helpful series from the Univ of Maryland University College Writing Center.
Files for session
For distance learners
Can you send me books or articles?
In most cases, yes. Here's how it works:
Use Andruss Library’s Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery service, ILLiad, to request articles or books. The first time you register with ILLiad:
- Enter your correct, full mailing address
- Select “Distance Education” for your Home Campus. (Students enrolled in the joint Technical Leadership or Early Childhood Education completion program with Luzerne/Lehigh County Community College should select "LCCC" for their Home Campus. Nursing students taking classes exclusively at Geisinger should choose "Geisinger" for their Home Campus.)
- Be sure to click on the “Submit Information” button.
Articles and copies of book chapters will always be delivered electronically to your ILLiad account, and you will be notified by email when an item is available.
Please read our ILLIAD Distance Education FAQ to understand your responsibilities for returning items (usually books) mailed to you and for further information about items we can/cannot obtain for you. We can only ship within the United States.
Please note: The Library will not supply course textbooks through this service. Students are expected to purchase them.
If you have additional questions or need assistance, contact the Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery office at ill@bloomu.edu or 570-389-4218 (hours generally M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
How do I find and select journal articles, books, etc.?
Use the search box on our webpage to search library databases and catalog at once or to select specific databases.
- Everything! tab cross-searches almost all databases and the catalog (for books). On the results page, apply limiters on left to focus your search. (NOTE: not everything indexed will be available through the BU Library, so you may need to use Interlibrary Loan for some items)
- BU Books & More tab searches PILOT, our catalog, and includes stuff we own or subscribe to.
- Articles tab limits the Everything! search to articles only.
- Search Our Website allows you to search for specific information on the library website.
For more help, try Self-Help or Ask a Librarian.
Do I need a Library card?
Your Library card is your BU ID card. You may not need it unless you plan to check out a book in the Library.
BU student ID cards display a student's Library Number on the bottom, left-hand side of the ID, beginning with: Lib#22404.... like so:
To obtain a BU ID card, call the University Card Center (the office that issues students IDs) for more information: 570-389-5410.
To obtain a Library Number only, call the Library Circulation Desk for more information: 570-389-4205.