Start by using general keywords in the main Library Search tool to find books, media, and journals all at once.
The most important resource for research is the Hocking College Library Search, which contains the full collection of databases, books and journals available plus our local collections.
Click the link for a full listing of the OhioLINK provided research databases.
Use these curated resources to quickly locate trustworthy definitions, statistics, and foundational knowledge.
| Resource | Description |
| Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary | High-quality, free online dictionary. |
| Oxford English Dictionary (OED) | Comprehensive, authoritative resource for the English language. |
| World Book Advanced | General encyclopedia for comprehensive background research. |
| World Fact Book (CIA) | Annual overview and maps for nearly every country in the world. |
| U.S. Census Bureau | Authoritative source for population, economic, and geographic data. |
| Data Ohio | Ohio’s official portal for state and local government data and statistics. |
| USGS - Topoview | Provides access to historical topographic maps from the United States Geological Survey. |
| Athens County Plat Maps | Detailed property maps and geographical data from the Athens County GIS Website. |
Check with your instructor which citation style you are expected to use. Guides to each style are available in the Library Reference section.
APA (American Psychological Association) - Mostly used in Nursing, Health Sciences, Business, Criminal Justice, and Social Sciences.
CSE (Council of Science Editors) - Often used in Natural Resources, Environmental Science
MLA (Modern Language Association) - Primarily used in English, General Studies, and Humanities courses.
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) : Premier resource for citation formatting with examples.
Use the Library Search to automatically generate a citation. Simply click “Citation” on your chosen resource and then your required style.
You may use an automated citation management tool (such as Zotero), however you must double check their output for accuracy before use in academic work.
Start by using general keywords in the main Library Search tool to find books, media, and journals all at once.
Use the filters on the left side of the screen to sort and quickly narrow your results by:
Availability
Resource Type
Subject
Journal Title
Use Boolean Operators to combine keywords:
Once you find a record you need, look for links under "View Online" to open the resource immediately.
If it's a physical book, you can place a hold on the item for pickup from the library or you can request for it to be delivered from another institution.
Yes! When viewing an item, look for a "Cite" button. You can select the style and copy the citation.
Check your spelling as even minor typos can yield zero results.
Start your search broadly and then narrow the focus.
Avoid filtering your results too heavily.
Check you are not using a VPN as this can restrict access. If the problem persists, contact the IT helpdesk at helpdesk@hocking.edu or 740-753-6113.
Come to the library and ask for a librarian or email us at library@hocking.edu.
Hours of Operations:
8 AM - 5 PM | Monday - Friday
3301 Hocking Pkwy.
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764