1) How do I begin my research?

Fondren library provides many sources for finding information about many subjects. The best approach to take when researching a topic in the library would be to consult a librarian or staff member at a reference desk. The reference desk at Fondren Library is on the first floor.

The reference area houses indexes, encyclopedias, directories and other informational sources which will either supply you with the needed information (i.e., directories or encyclopedias) or lead you to the information in another source (i.e., indexes or bibliographies). There are specialized subject indexes in both print and online formats.

For books and periodical titles owned by Fondren Library, search LIBRIS or the Web-version of the catalog, WebCat.

2) How do I find a magazine/journal/periodical article?

The library has many periodical indexes (both in print and electronic format) which may be searched by subject. The librarian or staff member on duty at the reference desks will suggest an appropriate index for your topic.

Or try browsing through our lists of databases for the names and descriptions of cd-rom or online indexes available to library users. You should keep in mind that the library may house print sources which may be better for your purpose.

3) How do I find the complete text of the article?

To find out if our library owns the periodical, you must search LIBRIS, the library's online catalog, for the title of the periodical. Then find the call number and location information.

BOUND periodicals owned by the library will be listed on the LIBRIS holdings record. The CURRENT issues are housed on the first and second floors.

In some cases, the periodical may be available in microform format (microfilm or microfiche). The microform will have the same call number as the print version, but will be filed in the basement in Government Publications and Microforms Area.

Older bound issues of journals may be in STORAGE. You may request these items from the reference desk on the first floor of Fondren or online. Volumes will be held for you at the circulation desk and will usually be available by the next day.

Periodicals and newspapers cannot be checked out. Copies can be made from both print and microform formats. There are photocopiers accepting coin or vendacards, which may be purchased at the Circulation desk. There are copiers located on the first, second, third, and fourth floors and in the basement.

Fondren Library also subscribes to a large number of electronic journals in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. These journals are available as full-text online, but are restricted to Rice students, faculty, and staff.

4) What can I do if the library doesn't own a book or periodical I need?

The Library provides Interlibrary Borrowing services to all Rice students, faculty, and staff for books and periodicals not owned. Users of the Library not affiliated with Rice must request interlibrary loans through their public library or college/university library.

Requests for the loan of materials may be submitted electronically.
Getting the requested material can take from 1-3 weeks, depending upon the verification of the request, availability of the material or proximity of the lending institution. The loan period granted depends on the lending institution, but is often granted for at least 2 weeks. That period may often be extended for one renewal. Some lending institutions may impose some restrictions on the use of the material.

If you're borrowing a book, Interlibrary Loan will call you to notify you that it has been received. You must pick up and return the book to the Document Delivery Department in the basement of Fondren, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

5) How can I find a journal abbreviation?

Many times you may have an abbreviation for a periodical title instead of the full title. Because LIBRIS title searching requires the full title, you may need to consult a reference work, such as Periodical Title Abbreviations, published by Gale Research Co. (Call number: Z6945 .A2 P47 1996 REF). This two volume set, updated periodically, is located at the reference desk on the first floor. For instance, using this resource you will find that, in this case, "J Chem Ther" is Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics.

6) What standards are available in the library?

Fondren has a complete set of ASTM Standards on microfiche. These are located in the basement in Government Publications and Microforms. If you are interested in historical standards, the University of Houston Library and the Houston Public Library--Main Branch maintain these collections. Both libraries own the ANSI standards.

7) How can I find company information?

The first thing to determine is if the company is public or private. This can be done a few different ways. First check in the "Disclosure SEC" CD service which we have on our network on 5 terminals in the Business Information Center. If the company is in Disclosure, it is public and you can find its financial information, based on SEC filings, there.

If the company is not there, we have Laser Disclosure II, also on CD, and the S & P looseleaf service, both of which deal with all three exchanges. Even so, you may not be able to find the company you are interested in, especially if it is small.

In addition we have articles indexes on CD: ABI (abstract only), Business Dateline - indexes regional business journals nationwide, Wall Street Journal and Predicast which indexes trade journals. All these are useful in checking for news about companies and the company's industry. For private companies you cannot get financial information. So, it's best to check for articles, and study developments in the industry.

For further information about business resources, contact the Business Information Center, on Rice's campus in Herring Hall, Room 106, or by phone at 713-348-6062.