Database of the Month: Salem Press

Kimberly

Salem Press is a collection of online reference books published by Salem Press, Grey House Publishing, and H. W. Wilson. These 150+ titles provide excellent overviews and set the stage for successful research projects.

Why use Reference Books?

Locating background information in subject specific encyclopedias and other reference resources will help you put information in context.

  • Get an overview of the subject.
  • Note key concepts/developments.
  • Identify significant authors.
  • See a chronology/timeline.
  • Develop a list of search terms.
  • Obtain primary sources.
  • Use the bibliographies to locate other information on your topic.

The Salem Press database is divided into five categories: Literature — History — Science — Health and Careers.

Researchers can keyword search the whole platform, the individual categories, or just search a specific title.  Clicking the Filter By arrow provides more control over what and where you search.

Unsure of what keywords to choose? Browse a category to a specific title and use the table of contents to help narrow a topic or find additional keywords or the names of significant authors to search.

Need a primary source for a history paper? There is a wealth of primary sources included in the titles on this platform.

Three titles of particular interest right now are:

Staff Favorites

In addition, to the titles highlighted above, our reference librarians have a few additional favorites to share:

Macee’s pick is Masterplots (2011). This fourth edition of Masterplots provides information about English-language and world literature published up to 2010. Each entry includes a synopsis of the story, a critical evaluation essay and suggested further readings.

Dominique’s pick is the “H. W. Wilson: The Reference Shelf” series which provides big picture overviews of topics of current interest such as “Rethinking Work” and “New Frontiers in Space”.

My pick is The Value of a Dollar, 1860—2019 which is a great source for not only seeing price differences of specific consumer goods but also differences in salaries and awards over time. Here are some examples of the kind of information available in this resource:

  • In 1915, a Goodrich Stag golf ball cost $0.29, which equates to $7.30 today’s dollars, and in 2019, a Bridgestone Tour B XS golf ball costs $3.74. (Golf ball, 2019)
  • In 1934, Horton Smith won $1,500 at the Master’s, which equates to $28, 295 in today’s dollars, and Tiger Woods won $2,090,000 in 2019. (Golf Master championship earnings, 2019)

The Value of a Dollar as well as all the other recommended resources above help to give information context. As you incorporate these resources into your papers, remember to cite it right. Salem Press helps by including a citation for each source in MLA 8th, APA 7th, and CMOS 17th format.

If you would like more information about any of these titles, the Salem Press database or recommendations for your specific research needs, please contact a Reference Librarian.

Reference List

Golf ball. (2019). In S. Derks (Ed.), The value of a dollar, 1860—2019. Salem Press. https://online.salempress.com

Golf Master champions earnings. (2019). In S. Derks (Ed.), The value of a dollar, 1860—2019. Salem Press. https://online.salempress.com

Database of the Month provides a very brief introduction to useful library databases, highlighting key features you should know about. If you would like more information about this resource (or any of the library’s databases), please contact us for research assistance. If you would like a demonstration of these resources for a class, please schedule a research instruction class using the instruction request form.

November's Arrivals! New Books, e-Books and Audiobooks

Lisa

Check out the 160+ new titles we added in November! Visit the New Books & DVDs page to browse our most recent book, audiobook, DVD, and e-book arrivals. Please note that the “ALL NEW BOOKS” link will display all new e-books and print books, but that due to differences in the way that e-books are cataloged they do not appear on the individual “Subject” lists.

Use the library’s contactless pickup service to place holds on the items you want to borrow and then pick them up at the library on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Please view the contactless pickup details and instructions before visiting.

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Downloadable e-books and digital audiobooks are available via OverDrive. OverDrive is the best e-book collection to use if you are looking for popular reading, bestsellers, new releases, and classics. E-books are also available through a variety of library databases. To learn more about our different e-book collections please see read the recent Databases of the Month: eBook Collections post.

Lastly, you can find new films and documentaries to stream online for free from our four streaming films databases.

Have questions about finding or using books, audiobooks, or films? Please contact the Reference Desk.

Bentley Library Resumes Contactless Pickup!

Anne

In an effort to support the campus de-densification efforts, Bentley Library will remain closed to patrons until classes begin in January 2021. As we finish out this semester, we will resume contactless pick-up of library materials! Simply search our online catalog, click “request” on any item you want, sign in with your Bentley credentials, and submit the request. You will receive an email when the item has been located with instructions on when and how to retrieve your material. Pickup hours will be held on Wednesdays in December from 9am-5pm.

Remember, if you only need a chapter of a book or a journal article from our physical collection, we are still offering Scan on Demand. Submit a request and a digital copy will be emailed to you!

Library Operations Update: November 30 - December 23

Lisa

Important Library Operations Updates

As Bentley transitions to online learning for the remainder of the trimester, we wanted to remind you that Bentley Library services, resources, and assistance will continue to be available online to the entire Bentley community. Library staff are here to assist you with your courses and research.  

Below is a summary of the library’s planned services and resources for the period of November 30 (first day of virtual learning) until December 23 (the last day of the trimester). Please check back for updates, or visit the Library Fall 2020 operations page.

Please contact us at library@bentley.edu or 781.89.2168 if you have any questions.

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Visiting the Library 

  • Like the rest of campus, the library building will be closed to patrons starting Wednesday November 25; however, staff will still be on hand doing the important work of getting library materials into the hands of the people who need them.
  • You can request items be pulled from our physical collections using the “Request” button in the online catalog. We will have them waiting for you for contactless pickup, which will be held Wednesdays (starting December 2 until December 23) from 9am-5pm.

As always, our online research databases, eBooks and streaming film collections can be accessed from anywhere at any time. 

ILL and Scan on Demand

  • Faculty, staff, and students may continue to place Interlibrary Loan and Scan on Demand requests for books, articles and book chapters. If you do not plan to visit campus after Thanksgiving break, we strongly encourage you not to place ILL requests for physical book items and instead place requests for needed chapters.  (Note: Copyright limits do apply.) 
  • Please return any ILL items you have in your possession with upcoming due dates prior to leaving for break. If you have any questions, please contact our Interlibrary Loan Department by sending an email to interlibloan@bentley.edu.  

Returns and Due Dates 

  • Do you currently have library books or DVDs? Check your due dates by logging in to your library account. If you have materials checked out but are not planning to return to campus for the Spring Trimester, we kindly ask you to return that material before leaving campus. 
  • If you are planning to return to campus for the Spring Trimester, you can return or renew your items; books will be due back January 19th.  Should you need other materials, such as DVDs, for this extended period of time, please let us know and we will adjust due dates accordingly.  

Online Resources and Research Help 

Online Library Services Help

If you have questions about borrowing/renewing books and other library items, Interlibrary Loan (ILL), Scan on Demand, Course Reserves, or Museum Passes, please contact Library Services via phone 781.891.2168, email or live chat. Library Services is available Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Stay Updated 

Visit library.bentley.edu and follow @BentleyLibrary on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and current news. 

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours: Tuesday, 11/24 - Sunday 11/29

Lisa

The library will close for Bentley University’s Thanksgiving Break at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, and remain closed until the start of spring term. Online Reference Services will resume on Sunday, November 29, from 1:00-9:00 p.m. (EST). Library Services online assistance will resume Monday, November 30, at 8:00 a.m.

Don’t forget that our online research databases, eBook collections and streaming films databases are accessible 24×7 with your Bentley email address and password.

For complete information about the library, virtual reference, café, and IT Help Desk hours please view the hours calendar.  

Have a happy Thanksgiving and a restful break!

Database of the Month: D&B Hoovers

Macee

D&B Hoovers is a robust source of information about U.S. and international companies and industries and their executives and employees. Primarily marketed in the business sector as a sales prospecting database for its excellent list-building and filtering features, academic users and others can also conduct company and industry research, find news, and read reports related to forecasting and trends.

Sales Prospects and Management

Managing current sales accounts and finding new leads is easy with the depth of business intelligence that D&B Hoovers provides. Browse all news items and “triggers” related to specific types of events for clients and prospects, or assemble lists of companies and contacts. Research industries and read analysts’ reports to learn about forecasts and trends. Compile and “pin” lists and reports for easy temporary access, and download reports in CSV format to your computer for later use. *Please note: Pinned items are only saved to the desktop for the length of your session. Sessions are subject to a 30-minute timeout once idle.

Company and Industry Research

D&B Hoovers is ideal for users who need in-depth business information for business research, papers and projects, or investment decisions. Look here for the following:

  • Company and industry profiles
  • Company news
  • “Triggers”: events such as product launches and lawsuits
  • Employee contact information
  • Analysts’ reports
  • Market research reports
  • SEC filings
  • SWOT analyses

Global Search Box: Quick Search

Use the box at the top of the page to choose a search index and enter a quick search (company name, industry type, and others). Once you have a list of results, click the desired company title link to view pre-composed summary information, financials, analyst reports, and more. Build a customized report of these elements by clicking the OneStop link to choose elements from the gray box shown below; the database will compile the results and deliver a PDF document to your desktop.

Search and Build: Use Filters to Customize

Start with the Search & Build a List tab to assemble your own detailed lists of companies, industries, contacts and more, using over 175 search filters to build a list that precisely meets your needs. As you add or remove filters, the results list updates automatically. The search below shows companies in the film industry that are headquartered in California, that also appear in a News search with the word “animation.” Click the Download button to send an Excel or CSV file to your desktop.

Get Help/Support

Click the question mark icon in the upper right corner of the home page and check the Page Help section to find short video tutorials and other support materials. Consult the Getting Started Guide and/or the full D&B Hoovers User Guide to learn about even more functionality. Bentley librarians are also available to assist you; see our Bentley Library Research Help page for details.

Connect to the Database

Please visit our Databases A-Z page and click D&B Hoovers to begin your search. This database can also be viewed within the Analyst Opinion, Company Research, Industry Research, and International Business subject lists on the A-Z page.

Database of the Month provides a very brief introduction to useful library databases, highlighting key features you should know about. If you would like more information about this resource (or any of the library’s databases), please contact us for research assistance. If you would like a demonstration of these resources for a class, please schedule a research instruction class using the instruction request form.

Now Showing: International Education Photo Contest Winners & Finalists

Lisa

Now showing in the RSM Art Gallery are the 2020 International Education Photo Contest category winners and finalists.

Each year Bentley students, faculty, and staff are invited to submit one photo for each of three categories: Bentley Abroad, Landscapes, and The World As Your Classroom. Visit @BentleyUAbroad on Facebook to view the complete contest entries photo album. For more information about the contest, visit the International Education Photo Contest webpage.

2020 International Education Photo Contest
Winners and Finalists
November 6, 2020 –

2020 International Education Photo Contest

Members of the Bentley community who are enrolled in the COVID screening program are welcome to visit the gallery to view these amazing photographs in person! We hope you’ll stop by.

Sponsored by the Bentley University Cronin Office of International Education.

October Acquisitions: New Books, Audiobooks & eBooks

Lisa

Check out the newest additions to our print and electronic collections! To view the lists visit the New Books & DVDs page. Please note that the “ALL NEW BOOKS” link will display all new e-books and print books, but that due to differences in the way that e-books are cataloged they do not appear on the individual “Subject” lists.

Interested in borrowing a book, DVD or audiobook? If you are enrolled in Bentley’s COVID-19 screening program you are welcome to visit the library. Either stop by to browse, or place a hold request in the catalog and we’ll notify you when the items are ready to be picked up. You can then come in, retrieve your items from the “open holds cart” in the lobby, and check them out to yourself using the self-check. For those of you who are unable to come into the building, we have e-books, digital audiobooks, and streaming films for you to enjoy.

To learn more about our different e-book collections please see our recent Databases of the Month: eBook Collections post. Downloadable e-books and digital audiobooks are available via the OverDrive collection. For help using the OverDrive apps (either the original app or the new Libby app) please view their Getting Started page.

Lastly, you can find new films and documentaries to stream online for free from our four streaming films databases.

Have questions about finding or using books, audiobooks, or films? Please contact the Reference Desk.