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Finding information resources : Physics

Finding information resources : Physics. Nicola Conway. March 2012. Aims of the session. To help you: Identify, find & evaluate relevant sources of information Use the library effectively, and make the most of our services and resources Know who to contact for further help.

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Finding information resources : Physics

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  1. Finding information resources : Physics Nicola Conway March 2012

  2. Aims of the session To help you: • Identify, find & evaluate relevant sources of information • Use the library effectively, and make the most of our services and resources • Know who to contact for further help

  3. Format of the session What the session will involve: • A demonstration of quality academic resources for your subject • A chance for you to begin searching for information • An opportunity to ask for help and advice when researching

  4. Before we begin… “Analyse the formation and evolution of galaxies and black holes” 2-3 minutes to look for at least one piece of useful and reliable information on this topic

  5. The Library (Print) Print: • Most print resources for Physics are on Level 3 in the Main Library • Level 3: Sciences • Books and journals

  6. The Library (Online) General support: • http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/current/ Subject information pages: • http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/physics

  7. 4 steps to finding information

  8. 1. Identify Keywords Identify keywords from your topic: “The physics behind butterflies’ iridescent colours” Advanced searching techniques: • Synonyms: butterfly OR diurnal insect OR Lepidoptera • Truncation: physic* to locate physics, physical science, physicist… • Phrases: “iridescent colour” • Wildcards: colo?r to locate colour or color • Joining Words: AND, OR, NOT

  9. Task One p.2 of handout Identify keywords from a topic of your choice, if you can’t think of one use: “Analyse the formation and evolution of galaxies and black holes”

  10. Task One p.2 of handout (2) Analyse the formation and evolution of galaxies and blackholes OR OR format* creat* AND develop* evolution growth AND “black hole” galax*

  11. 2. Decide where to search (1) What information do you need? • Overview of a topic, theory, idea, concept? • Encyclopaedias and Dictionaries (online and in print) • Background information? • Textbook/E-book • Information on the latest developments? • Journal Article • Conference Paper • E-Print/Research Repository

  12. 2. Decide where to search (2) • Do you have a specific reference? • Yes Library Catalogue • No Online resource • Have you consulted the information resources available for Physics? http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/physics

  13. 2. Decide where to search (3) Which online resource? • Databases • Journal Articles • Review literature • Standards • E-books • Conference Papers

  14. 3. Search – library catalogue • Can be searched using a variety of methods • Author/Title (combined) for known item • Keyword • Classmark and Subject search • Searches for print and electronic resources but does not search within them • Can save searches and email results

  15. 3. Search – online databases Databases search a wide range of material: • Some provide full text • IoP • Science Direct • Some only provide bibliographic information • Web of Knowledge • Can use ConneXions to see if Durham subscribes to the content No single database will cover everything

  16. Obtaining items outside of Durham • Visiting other universities e.g. Newcastle and Northumbria • Check their catalogues: http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/resources/online/catalogues/ • Access to other libraries • SCONUL Access Scheme • http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/otherlibraries/ • Document Delivery Service • http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/borrowing/dds/

  17. Task Two p.4 of handout • Use the keywords you identified in Task One to search for information in: • An online database

  18. 3. Search – other online resources • E-books • E-prints • arXiv.org e-Print archive - papers in physics and related disciplines • Conference proceedings • Internet Resources • Google Scholar – uses Durham ConneXions button • Data sites

  19. Task Two p.4 of handout • Use the keywords you identified in Task One to search for information: • Using another online resource available from http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/physics/info_skills/

  20. 4. Review your results • Are your results useful? • Do you need to change your keywords or search in a different database? • Use one record to find similar useful resources • Evaluate the quality of your sources • particularly if they are found on the internet • Keep references • e-mail yourself useful references

  21. References and Bibliographies • Always keep a full and accurate record of your information sources • Use the Library Catalogue and online databases to e-mail references for saving • Make sure you refer correctly to other authors within your work • Avoid plagiarism

  22. Where to get further help • Academic Support Team: Nicola Conway – Physics • Subject information page: • http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/physics • Help and Information Point on Level 2 • Online enquiries form: • http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/using/enquiries/

  23. Any Questions Nicola Conway: nicola.conway@durham.ac.uk

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