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Finding information resources : Physics

Finding information resources : Physics. Richard Holmes. November 2013. 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 Richard Holmes November 2013

  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 academic resources and search tools • A chance for you to begin searching for information (beyond Google) • Q&A. An opportunity to ask for help and advice

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

  5. The Library (Print) Print: • Most Physics books are on Level 3 in the Bill Bryson Library • All journals are in mobile shelving on Level 1 Tip: Focus on ‘peer reviewed’ journals

  6. The Library (Online)

  7. The Library (Online)

  8. 4 steps to finding information

  9. 1. Choosing Keywords Identify the separate elements of your topic: “The physics behind butterflies’ iridescentcolours”

  10. 1. Choosing Keywords Identify the separate elements of your topic: “The physicsbehind butterflies’ iridescent colours”

  11. 1. Choosing Keywords Identify the separate elements of your topic: “The physicsbehind butterflies’ iridescent colours” Too many results? Too few? Irrelevant results? • Synonyms: butterfly OR Lepidoptera OR diurnal insect • Truncation: physic* to locate physics, physical science, physicist… • Wildcards: colo?r to locate colour or color • Phrases: “iridescent colour” • Joining Words: AND, OR, NOT

  12. Choosing Keywords: Have a go! 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” Think of synonyms. Can any words be truncated?

  13. Search Strategy Grid Analyse the formation and evolution of galaxies and blackholes OR OR “black hole*” galax* AND form* creat* genesis AND Evol* develop* grow*

  14. (“black hole*” orgalax*) and (form*orcreat* or genesis)and(evol*ordevelop* orgrow*)

  15. 2. Decide where to search What information do you need? • Overview of a topic, theory, idea, concept? • Encyclopaedias and Dictionaries (online and in print) • Introduction to the topic? • Textbook/E-book • Information on the latest developments? • Journal Article • Conference Paper • E-Print/Research Repository Tip: Try Credo Reference (multiple reference works in one site) instead of Wikipedia.

  16. Search – library catalogue Specific vs speculative searching: • Specific • Author/Title (combined) for known item • Speculative • Search by Keyword (‘free text’) • Search by Classmark(other books on the topic) • Search by Subject (controlled vocabulary) Tip: You can save or email your results

  17. 3. Search. Have a go • Experiment with searching the Library catalogue using keywords, truncation, phrases, operators (AND/OR) • Observe how many results you get and the type of information being retrieved. Q) What happens if you look for information on determination[s] of the Hubble Constant?

  18. Beyond the Library Catalogue • Databases • Book chapters • Journal Articles • Standards • Conference Papers • Theses • Newspapers • Images

  19. 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 • First Search • Can use ConneXions to see if Durham subscribes to the content No single database will cover everything

  20. 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 • First Search • Can use ConneXions to see if Durham subscribes to the content No single database will cover everything

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

  22. Revised Search. Have a go! • Repeat the search you performed using the Library catalogue in: • ScienceDirect • Web of Knowledge What kind of information is being retrieved? How does the number of results compare?

  23. Other online search tools • E-books (searchable) • Conference proceedings (Use Web of Knowledge or First Search) • Theses (e.g. Proquest Dissertations & Theses) • Google Scholar – Activate button • E-prints, (including pre-published) • arXiv.org e-Print archive - papers in physics and related disciplines

  24. E-resources: Common Problems • Always navigate to resources through the catalogue (especially if off-campus) • Check coverage dates • Close DUO • Check catalogue record; are login details required? • Library homepage  E-journals  E-journal Passwords • Contact eresource.enquiry@durham.ac.uk with any problems

  25. 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

  26. 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

  27. 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/

  28. Where to get further help • Academic Support Team: Richard Holmes • 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/

  29. Any Questions Richard Holmes: richard.holmes@durham.ac.uk

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