IDS 101: Explaining Ourselves: Using the Library

 Gathering of Philosophers. Qing dynasty (1644–1911).  https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/51527

Listed below are the letters and titles of the main classes of the Library of Congress (LC) Classification. Click on any class to view an outline of its subclasses in an interactive PDF format.  This list is based off of the Library of Congress Classification Outline.

Below are key reference books that provide a general overview of a topic or help identify synonyms, related terms, or basic data. These sources often include references and lists of further readings.

What does it mean to explain something? Do explanations run out? Where? Can we explain why they run out where they do? What about us, the explainers: what sort of explanation can we give of ourselves? Where do we fit in the grand scheme of things? Where do our misfortunes fit? We'll investigate these and related questions from several philosophical and religious points of view. We'll see that the points of view are very different but also that they are deeply connected. Moving between them, we'll gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and of our place in the world, one that is informed by some of humanity's most profound reflections on the matter.

A personal Librarian is your "go-to" person in the library. First-year students are paired up with a librarian who will be your individual contact person within the library from day one. Find your Personal Librarian here.

You can set up an individual research consultation with a subject librarian for research help. Here are a few other things that we can do for you:

• Show you the best places to begin your research.
   
• Locate the information you need within our library or elsewhere.
   
• Help you cite information correctly (e.g. APA style).
   
• Judge the quality & reliability of information.
   
• Teach you how to use information ethically (e.g. avoiding plagiarism).
   
• Determine whether something is peer-reviewed.

Library Hours

Mon-Thur    7:45 a.m. -- 2 a.m.
Friday         7:45 a.m. -- 9 p.m.
Saturday    11 a.m -- 6 p.m.
Sunday      10 a.m. -- 2 a.m.

Reference Hours

Mon-Wed  10 a.m. -- 5 p.m. /  6 p.m. -- 9 p.m.
Thursday   10 a.m. -- 5 p.m.
Friday        1 p.m. -- 4 p.m
Sat-Sun         (Closed)

Contact library@willamette.edu for a research consultation.
 

Archives Hours

Contact archives@willamette.edu for an appointment.

Appointments available:

Mon - Fri  9 a.m. -- 12 p.m. / 1 p.m. -- 4 p.m.

Note: The library is closed to the general public at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and holidays. The library remains open to students, faculty, and staff with current Willamette ID.

More calendar info...