MLA Database
To get to FSU's list of databases go to www.fsu.edu/~library. You can also find the library page from FSU's main page, www.fsu.edu, by clicking on "libraries and computing" near the bottom of the screen.
Once you are at the library page, click on "FSU libraries databases" from the list of links running down the left side of the page. Also farther down the page, you will se a link that says "Interlibrary loan." If you click on this link, you will find a series of links explaining how to use Interlibrary loan. Interlibrary loan is for checking out books that are not in our library but are in some other library. At no cost, FSU will borrow the book from another libary. The process usually takes around two weeks, at least, depending on what part of the semester we are in.
Once you have clicked on "FSU libraries databases" look for the "Databases A-Z link" close to the top of the the page. Click that link.
From the list of letters at the top of the page, click on "M."
Scroll down a bit until you see "MLA Bibliography." The search process works more or less like that of Web Luis. However, not all of the results are always in our library. However, after entering your term(s), but before clicking "search." You can check one or both of the boxes marked "full text" and "items in my library." The full text option will only pull up articles that are on-line, meaning tht you can print them out from the computer. Even if you do not click either option, items that are available full text or are in our libary will be appear with each or both of those respective icons. You can use interlibrary loan to secure items that are not available full text or that are not in our library.
To find the location of an article that the MLA engine indicates is in our library, click on the title of the work. You will then see a link which says, "search the catalog at Florida State University." Click that option. You will see a call number. Most articles are shelved in journals on the second floor. Anything marked "non-circulating," either on the shelf or in the database, cannot be checked out but can be xeroxed. Most journals are non-circulating.
MLA is for literary works. For non-literary works, try the other databases. Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe is of particular note.
Two other useful databases are JSTOR and WilsonSelectPlus that can also be found in the FSU databases list; they work like the MLA site, and they often yield more full text articles.
Course Reserve
I have placed selected books on the course reserve list. To find this list go to the main page for the library.
Click on "FSU Online Catalog Web Luis" located in the upper left hand corner.
Look for "SUS Library Catalogs and Course Reserve Indexes." Find Florida State University and click on "Course Reserves" directly beneath.
The search engine should be self-explanatory.
Click on "Nesbitt." You will see a listing of various books. The reserves desk is located along with the circulation desk right before the exits. Show your FSU card and you can check the book out for a maximum of two hours, which is enough time to xerox or make notes. If no one else is waiting for the book, you can check it out again.