NCJRS Virtual Library Tutorial & FAQs

The National Criminal Justice Reference Service, or NCJRS, is a federally funded resource offering justice and substance abuse information to support research, policy, and program development worldwide. The NCJRS Virtual Library is a comprehensive online database offering access to a wealth of criminal justice-related resources. Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, or practitioner, the NCJRS Virtual Library can be a valuable tool to access the latest information and resources in the field of criminal justice.

In this tutorial, we will provide an overview of the NCJRS Virtual Library and guide you through the process of accessing and utilizing its resources. Additionally, we will address frequently asked questions about the NCJRS Virtual Library to help you make the most of this valuable resource.

What is the NCJRS Virtual Library?

The NCJRS Virtual Library is an online database that provides access to a wide range of resources related to criminal justice, including research reports, publications, and other materials. It offers a single point of access to information from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and other agencies within the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as other sources.

The Virtual Library is designed to serve the needs of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of criminal justice. It contains a wealth of resources on topics such as crime prevention, law enforcement, corrections, and substance abuse. Users can access a variety of materials, including reports, fact sheets, webinars, and other tools to support their work in the criminal justice field.

Accessing the NCJRS Virtual Library

Accessing the NCJRS Virtual Library is simple and straightforward. The following steps will guide you through the process:

Visit the NCJRS website: Go to the NCJRS website at www.ncjrs.gov to access the Virtual Library.
Navigate to the Virtual Library: Once on the NCJRS website, navigate to the Virtual Library section. You can find it in the main menu or through the siteâ€™s search function.
Explore the resources: Once in the Virtual Library, you can explore the various resources available. You can search for specific topics or browse through the different categories to find the information you need.
Accessing resources: To access a specific resource, simply click on the title or link provided. This will take you to the full text of the resource, which you can then view, download, or print as needed.

Using the NCJRS Virtual Library

The NCJRS Virtual Library offers a wide range of resources that can be valuable to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the criminal justice field. Here are some tips for effectively using the Virtual Library:

Search for specific topics

If you are looking for information on a specific topic, you can use the search function to quickly find resources related to that topic. The Virtual Library allows you to search for keywords, phrases, or specific terms to narrow down your results and find the information you need.

Browse categories

If you are not sure exactly what you are looking for, you can browse through the different categories in the Virtual Library to explore the various resources available. Categories may include topics such as crime prevention, law enforcement, corrections, and substance abuse, among others.

Utilize advanced search options

The Virtual Library also offers advanced search options, allowing you to refine your search based on specific criteria such as publication date, author, or document type. This can help you find the most relevant resources to support your research or work in the criminal justice field.

Save and share resources

Once you have found a resource of interest, you can save it for future reference or share it with others. The Virtual Library allows you to create an account where you can save and organize your favorite resources. You can also share resources with colleagues or collaborators by providing them with the direct link to the resource.

Frequently Asked Questions about the NCJRS Virtual Library

Q: Is there a cost to access the NCJRS Virtual Library?

A: No, the NCJRS Virtual Library is a free resource. It is funded by the Office of Justice Programs and is available to the public at no cost.

Q: Can I access the Virtual Library from any device?

A: Yes, the Virtual Library is accessible from any device with an internet connection. Whether you are using a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can access the Virtual Library to find the information you need.

Q: Are the resources in the Virtual Library peer-reviewed?

A: The Virtual Library contains a mix of resources, including peer-reviewed research reports, publications from government agencies, and other materials. It is important to evaluate the credibility and reliability of the resources you find, especially for research and policy purposes.

Q: Can I request a hard copy of a resource from the Virtual Library?

A: While many resources in the Virtual Library are available for online viewing and download, some may also be available in print. If you require a hard copy of a specific resource, you can contact the NCJRS for assistance.

Q: Can I use the resources in the Virtual Library for my research or projects?

A: Yes, the resources in the Virtual Library are intended to support research, policy, and program development in the criminal justice field. You are free to use the information and materials found in the Virtual Library for your work, as long as you comply with any copyright and usage restrictions.

Conclusion

The NCJRS Virtual Library is a valuable resource for anyone working in the field of criminal justice. Whether you are a researcher conducting studies, a policymaker developing initiatives, or a practitioner seeking evidence-based solutions, the Virtual Library offers a wealth of resources to support your work. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial and making use of the tips provided, you can effectively access and utilize the Virtual Library to find the information you need.

Additionally, by familiarizing yourself with the frequently asked questions about the Virtual Library, you can address any potential queries or concerns you may have about using the resource. With its extensive collection of resources and user-friendly interface, the NCJRS Virtual Library is a valuable tool to support and advance the field of criminal justice.