Navigating Knowledge: A Guide to Bethel University Library Resources

Bethel University offers a wealth of library resources designed to support students in their academic pursuits. These resources range from online databases and digital collections to physical archives and specialized centers. This guide provides an overview of the various library resources available to Bethel University students, ensuring they can effectively access and utilize the information they need.

Digital Resources

Online Library

Bethel University's online library serves as a central hub for accessing scholarly sources and research guides relevant to various fields of study. The online library is tailored to meet the specific needs of different colleges within the university. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Health Sciences can connect directly to the online library through a dedicated portal. Similarly, students in the College of Professional Studies can access a separate online library portal designed for their program.

Key Databases

The online library provides access to a variety of research databases, each specializing in different academic disciplines:

CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature): This is a large research database specifically focused on nursing and allied health literature. It is an invaluable resource for students and faculty in the College of Health Sciences.
ERIC (Education Resources Information Center): Published by the Department of Education, ERIC indexes articles (EJ#), books, theses, and documents (ED#) on all topics related to education. It is an essential resource for students and faculty in the education department.

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JSTOR: JSTOR provides full-text articles from a wide variety of scholarly journals, spanning numerous disciplines. Its coverage ranges from the 1890s (in select journals) to four years prior to the current year, making it a valuable resource for historical and contemporary research.
PsycINFO: This database provides access to international literature in psychology and related disciplines. It is a key resource for students and faculty in psychology programs.
PubMed: Maintained by the National Library of Medicine, PubMed contains over 17 million citations from MEDLINE and other life science journals. Coverage goes back to the 1950s, making it a comprehensive resource for medical and life sciences research.

Accessing the Campus Library's Online Catalog

Students can access the campus library's online catalog to search for books, journals, and other materials available in the physical library. The online catalog allows users to search by author, title, subject, and keyword, making it easy to locate specific resources.

Physical Resources

Campus Library

In addition to the online library, Bethel University also has a physical campus library that provides students with a quiet study space, access to print materials, and assistance from librarians. The campus library houses a vast collection of books, journals, and other resources that support the university's academic programs.

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Education Resource Center

The Education Resource Center (ERC) is a specialized collection within the campus library that focuses on materials for education students and professionals. The ERC includes children’s literature, juvenile books, young adult fiction, instructional aids, games, and videos. It is a valuable resource for students preparing to become teachers or working with children and adolescents in educational settings.

Archives and Special Collections

Bethel University is home to several unique archives and special collections that provide access to primary source materials and rare books:

Otis Bowen Museum & Archives: This archive serves as the repository for the materials of Gov. Otis Bowen, who served as the governor of Indiana in the 1970s and as the Secretary for Health & Human Services under the Reagan administration. The archive includes documents, photographs, and artifacts related to Gov. Bowen's career and contributions to public service.
Missionary Church Archives & Historical Collections: This archive serves as the memory center for records of historical significance to the Missionary Church. It contains the official papers of the denomination, as well as materials relating to its origin and development. The archive is a valuable resource for researchers interested in the history of the Missionary Church and its impact on society.

Student Resources

Student Wild Card

Bethel University provides students with a Student Wild Card, which serves as their official student ID and can be used for various purposes on campus. Through Bethel's OneWeb system, on-campus students can apply money to their Student ID Cards to use in the cafeteria, The Daily Grind, the Bookstore, or Chick-fil-A. Through OneWeb, students can also check their Wild Card balance and account information.

Student Log Book

The Student Log Book is a comprehensive guide for students in the College of Arts and Sciences, providing information on student policies, including campus services, housing policies, and medical leave. Students can access or download The Log Student Guide online.

V-Camp

College of Professional Studies Adult Degree Program students can access important resources and information through V-Camp.

Utilizing Library Resources Effectively

To make the most of Bethel University's library resources, students should consider the following tips:

Start early: Begin your research early in the semester to allow ample time to explore the available resources and seek assistance from librarians if needed.
Use a variety of resources: Don't rely solely on one type of resource. Explore both online databases and print materials to gather a comprehensive understanding of your topic.
Evaluate your sources: Critically evaluate the credibility and reliability of your sources before incorporating them into your research. Consider the author's qualifications, the publication date, and the source's reputation.
Cite your sources properly: Always cite your sources to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism. Use a consistent citation style, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago, as required by your instructor.
Ask for help: Don't hesitate to ask a librarian for assistance. Librarians are trained to help students navigate the library's resources and conduct effective research.

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