Academics & So Much More! Blog - Research Guides at Tidewater Community College

Hey there, curious minds! Whether you’re a student, a lifelong learner, or just someone who loves a good story, your local TCC Libraries are a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Let’s dive into the wonderful reasons why you should make TCC Libraries your go-to destination for all things knowledge! 🚀

archway with books and a quill, gateway to knowledge

1. Endless Resources at Your Fingertips

From books and eBooks to audiobooks and magazines, libraries offer an incredible array of resources. Need a specific textbook for your class, check to see if your local campus, has it? Or maybe a novel for your book club? Your library has you covered! 📖✨

2. Access to Research Databases

Want to elevate your academic game? Libraries provide access to specialized research databases filled with peer-reviewed (scholarly) articles, journals, and papers. Say goodbye to unreliable sources and hello to credible information that will boost your research projects! 🔍📚

3. Expert Assistance from Librarians - Ask a Librarian

Your librarians are like the wise sages of the library realm. They can help you navigate resources and even provide resources to help with citations. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—it's what they're here for! 🧙‍♀️📞

**Some information in this post was inspired by ChatGPT.**

Recent Posts

Spring Break at your TCC Libraries: A Sneak Peek into Relaxation and Fun!

Spring break is here, and while some might be heading to the beach or traveling, others are discovering the joys of a quieter, cozier getaway—at your TCC Library! The Joint-Use Library on the VB Campus is open and the digital collections are always open!Yes, you read that right! The library isn’t just for study sessions and research papers; it’s also the perfect spot to unwind. Whether you’re grabbing a new book to escape into a thrilling novel, enjoying a classic movie from our media collection, or simply sipping coffee in a comfy corner, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a little spring break bliss without leaving campus.And for those of you still in study mode, don’t worry—our quiet spaces are ready for your productivity needs, too. So, however you choose to spend it, make sure to stop by and enjoy the library’s spring break vibes. You never know what treasure you’ll find while you're here!Happy Spring Break, everyone! Whether you’re vacationing or staycationing, your TCC Libraries has you covered....

📚 Understanding Call Numbers: Your Guide to Navigating your local TCC Library! 🔍✨

Hello, library explorers! Have you ever wandered through the aisles of books and wondered how books are shelved? Enter the world of call numbers! These little codes are your roadmap to finding books and resources in the library. Let’s break down what call numbers are and how they can make your library visits more efficient and fun! 🎉📖 What Are Call Numbers?Call numbers are assigned to each book and resource in the library. They help organize materials by subject, making it easy for you to locate what you need. Think of them as the library’s way of arranging its treasures!🏷️ How Call Numbers WorkMost academic libraries and especially your local TCC Libraries use the Library of Congress Classification system, which categorizes books into broad subjects. Here’s how it breaks down:Letters: The first part of the call number is a letter or series of letters representing the main subject area (e.g., "B" for Philosophy, "Q" for Science).Numbers: Following the letters, you'll find a number that further specifies the topic. For example, "B123" might refer to a specific area within philosophy.Decimal Points: After the initial number, you may see a decimal followed by additional numbers, which provide even more detail. For example, "B123.45" helps pinpoint a more specific focus within the subject.Author's Last Name: Finally, you may find the author's last name at the end of the call number, which helps differentiate works by different authors within the same subject.🔍 Finding Books Using Call NumbersWhen searching for a book, you’ll typically look it up in the library catalog, which will give you the full call number. Typically think of the call number as your street address, you need the full street address to get to your destination, that is how a call number locates a book on the shelf. Here’s how to use it:Write Down the Call Number: Make a note of the complete call number and the location of the book.Head to the books: Navigate to the section of the library indicated by the call number. Books are arranged in numerical and alphabetical order, so look for the starting letter and then the numbers that follow.Browse: Don’t just grab the book you came for! Take a moment to browse nearby books—they might lead you to unexpected discoveries!🎉 Fun Tip: The Dewey Decimal SystemSome libraries, especially public libraries, may use the Dewey Decimal Classification system. This is another way of organizing books by subject, using three-digit numbers (e.g., 641 for cooking). Understanding how both systems work can enhance your library experience!🚀 Ready to Navigate the Library Like a Pro?Now that you know about call numbers, you’ll be equipped to find books and resources with confidence! The next time you visit the library, take a moment to explore all the books you have at your fingertips. Happy exploring! 📚✨**Some information in this post was inspired by ChatGPT.**...

Featured Read: No One Left But You

Looking for your next read? Your TCC Library collections have you covered! Today’s suggestion is from Elle D. at the Norfolk Campus Library. Happy Reading!“No One Left But You by Tash McAdam is a young adult murder mystery about a trans boy named Max, who is in love with Danny, his once best friend turned bully. Their brief relationship over the summer left Max starry eyed and heartbroken, but everything changes when Gloss, a rich girl from out of town, decides to take Max under her wing and help him regain his confidence.A coming of age story with unexpected twists and turns, Max will confront themes of repressed sexuality, a desire for belonging, substance abuse, and more as he comes to terms with the changing lives of those he knew- or thought he knew.”#ellereads...

Celebrating Women's History Month at your TCC Libraries

March is a time to honor the incredible achievements and contributions of women throughout history. At your TCC Libraries, we celebrate by offering a range of books, films, and resources that highlight the lives and accomplishments of women from all walks of life—scientists, activists, writers, leaders, and more. We invite you to explore, discover, and be inspired by the stories of women who have paved the way for progress, equality, and empowerment. Check out some of the resources that TCC Libraries offers with the Women's Studies Research Guide. *image from Library of Congress*...

🌟 Why You Should Use the Library: Your Gateway to Knowledge! 📚✨

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