Books cover virtually any topic, fact or fiction. For research purposes, you will probably be looking for books that synthesize all the information on one topic to support a particular argument or thesis. Libraries organize and store their book collections on shelves called "stacks." Electronic books, called e-books, may also be available for free from your library.

The TCNJ library has some electronic books listed in the library's catalog through a program called netLibrary. Just click on the link to the e-book where the catalog record for it instructs you to. You must be on campus to create an account for netLibrary, which will allow you to check out an e-book from netLibrary. This services is free to TCNJ students. You may need help with this so Ask a Librarian at the reference desk for help.

Use a Book

• when looking for lots of information on a topic
• to put your topic in context with other important issues
• to find historical information
• to find summaries of research to support an argument

Examples

• Nash, Gary B., ed. The American People: Creating a Nation and a Society, 1990.
• Silverstone, Roger, ed. Visions of Suburbia, 1997.
• Smith, J. T. Roman Villas: A Study in Social Structure, 1997.