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English Capstone

Search WISE

WISE Search box

What is WISE and how can I use it?

WISE is the Library's search engine, it searches:

  • Everything we have in the building
  • Everything we pay to have access to online
  • A lot of stuff we don't have, but can get for you through a service called Inter-Library Loan (ILL)

 

WISE is a user-friendly, all-in-one search tool, but is important to know when to use WISE, and when you may be better served by using the Library's other electronic resources. 

  • Print books and eBooks: WISE is the only place you can search our print book collection.  WISE is also the most convenient place to search our eBook collection.
  • Known items: If you know the exact book, journal, article, DVD, or other item you want, WISE will quickly show you if Westminster College owns or has access to that item.  If that item is not available through Westminster College, WISE provides an easy way to place an ILL request.
  • First-year or intro-level studies: WISE is the most user-friendly, all-in-one search option available and provides an adequate amount of relevant, appropriate sources for basic research needs.
  • Interdisciplinary research: WISE contains materials from all subjects taught on campus. Use WISE when you want Interdisciplinary (from many subjects) resources..

Use the Online Journals and Reference Sources page for:

  • Discipline-specific research: Searching specific databases (e.g., PsycINFO, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, MLA International Bibliography) is a better search strategy for more in-depth, advanced research.These databases allow for tailored search strings and provide citation tools.
  • Other types of electronic sources:
    • Newspapers:  U.S. Major Dailies, NY Times, Nexis Uni
    • Reference: Credo, Oxford, SAGE
    • Discipline-based: Birds of the World, Mergent Online
    • Streaming: Video (Kanopy, Swank) and music (NAXOS)
    • Primary Sources
    • and more!

Recommended Databases

MLA International Bibliography: The top database for literature, language and linguistics, folklore, film, literary theory & criticism, dramatic arts, and the history of printing. Compiled by the Modern Languages Association, this database includes over 2.5 million citations.

Humanities Source: Articles, abstracts, and/or citations of over a thousand journals across the humanities.

JSTOR: Large, multi-disciplinary repository with thousands of scholarly articles and primary sources.

Project MUSE: Great humanities and social science database with a focus on the interdisciplinary.

Literature Criticism Online: Provides literary commentary in a variety of series (19th Century lit, 20th Century lit, Drama, and Contemporary lit)

Gale Literary Index:  Index to the major Gale literature publications. It combines and cross-references author names, including pseudonyms and variant names, and listings for titles of works into one source.

Can't access the article you need - Try ILL

What is ILL?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service where libraries borrow and lend books, microfilm, DVDs,  journals, magazines, and newspaper articles to other libraries.  Librarians want everyone to be able to access information, so they work together to get the information to the people who need it!  

If you need something that isn't owned by McGill Library, we may be able to borrow it from another library. 

If you have questions about Interlibrary Loan, or have any trouble using the request form or setting up your ILLiad account, please contact John Garrison

Please note that ILL service is not available when the library is closed for Winter Break.  

Interlibrary Loan How-To

Let us know what you need!!  Please read the step-by-step instructions below and contact the library if you have any questions or concerns.

  1. Search WISE to see if we have the item you are looking for.
  2. If you don't see what you need in the first few results, change the result sorting to "Best Match". (see screenshot below)
  3. Click "Request via Interlibrary Loan" on the item in WISE. (see screenshot below)
  4. Fill out the form; please provide your name, Westminster email, and any questions or special requests about your ILL.
    1. Article/book chapter:
      • Look for an email from mcgillill@westminster.edu with instructions to download your article/book chapter when it is ready (usually 1-2 days).
    2. Book/DVD/physical item:
      • Look for an email from mcgillill@westminster.edu when it is ready to be picked up at the library front desk.
  5. Can't find the item you need in WISE? Fill out this form with information about what you need (title, author, etc.) and we'll still get it!