Literature searching and library resources Dave Hirst Faculty
Literature searching and library resources Dave Hirst Faculty Team Librarian for EEE and MACE John Rylands University Library David. hirst@manchester. ac. uk
Aims of this session • Brief Introduction • Demonstration • Further Info • Help
Why do a literature search? l l You need to see what information already exists Identify cutting edge research in your subject area Become aware of the leading researchers/research centres for your topic Observe the evolution of your subject area
Sequence of events l l l Write down a description of the research topic Identify from the description the keywords that describe the topic Use these keywords to search the databases Evaluate information Organise and use information
l. Strutural vibration lof floors induced lby human lmovements l at concerts. Concerts: Grandstand Stadia Venue Concert hall Floor vibration: Human Movements Dynamic Loads Resonance Structural Design Human induced: Crowd induced Crowd harmonics
Which databases do I use? l Check for your subject on the library web site. Access with central username and password. l Useful ones include Compendex. Scopus, Web of Science, Zetoc l Current awareness services/ RSS feeds l Access to over 400 different databases l http: //www. library. manchester. ac. uk/subjects/
Why use databases as your primary resource ? l l Peer reviewed Latest articles in your field -RSS Download straight to your desktop Searching thousands of articles in seconds.
Where to start? www. manchester. ac. uk/library/ Databases E-Journals Subject Info E-books G 2
Demonstration l A volunteer !
What’s next? l l Use the “Find it@JRUL” tool from the databases to locate articles If that fails, use library catalogue to check for print version If we don’t have either print or electronic, use Inter-library loan Cost to you is £ 2 per item
What else is there? l l l Standards (UK, Europe, ASTM) Patents Technical Reports Theses HMSO publications You can locate all of the above using the library catalogue.
Before you use Google. . l l l l Check authenticity Check currency Check relevance Check intellectual level Primary or secondary source? Check bias Be very critical.
Google Scholar l l l Then use Google Scholar, not plain Google IP address http: //scholar. google. com/
How we can help you l l Staff at the Library service desks can help you with your enquiries Your Faculty Team Librarian and Assistants can give in-depth support on your subject Drop in sessions - 1 to 1 or group Full contact details and information on all Library services on the website: www. manchester. ac. uk/library/
Research skills training l l Training courses and drop-in sessions run by Library to help you find and manage information Includes database searching and End. Note reference management courses www. manchester. ac. uk/library/usingtheli brary/researchers/
Endnote l l l Bibliographic references Store, organise, format references Import references from databases Compile bibliographies – insert directly into dissertation/thesis Attach images Courses run by Library staff at : http: //www. library. manchester. ac. uk/cour ses/calendar/
Academic liaison librarians l l l John Blunden-Ellis • Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Chris Gibson • Earth sciences, Physics Dave Hirst • MACE, Electrical/Electronic Eng Barry White • Maths Eleri Strittmatter • Materials, Computer Science
Questions?
- Slides: 18