The aim of this guide is threefold: - To outline the traditional research pathway beginning with dictionaries, encyclopedias, yearbooks, handbooks, etc.
- To develop a familiarity and vocabulary of definitions, concepts and reference sources.
- To serve as a resource for reference desk staff in leading users to appropriate library services, resources, and collections.
A final note, library guides provide a passive approach to reference services for undergraduate research inquiries. Consult the reference desk staff as appropriate. Need help starting your research? View Finding Library Resources.
Finding Articles
REVIEW JOURNALSThese specialized journals provide access current news, developments and trends in the field. Current issues are shelved in the Current Periodicals area on the 2nd floor. Some examples are: | TITLE | CALL NUMBER | | Annual review of ecology, evolution, and systematics | QH540 .A53 (4th floor) & Electronic | | Annual review of plant biology | QK1 .A48 (4th floor) & Electronic | | Trends in cell biology | QH573 .T73 (4th floor) | | Faculty of 1000 Biology | Online |
INDEXES AND ABSTRACTSThese references are considered secondary sources. Their aim is to provide access to the primary literature – journal publications. They include journal citation information as well as abstracts. Some examples are: Expanded Academic ASAP Online Biology Abstracts QH301.B37 (4th Floor) General Science Abstracts Online Academic Search Premier Online CITATION INDEXUse this unique index to identify scholarly journal articles referenced by other researchers. | TITLE | | Science Citation Index CURRENT AWARENESSThese sources provide the table of contents to numerous journal titles on a weekly basis. They are published in seven editions covering the life sciences, biology, chemistry, medicine, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. One example is: | TITLE | CALL NUMBER | | Life Sciences Edition | Ref R. L. Med. Library |
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Finding Books & Media
Online CatalogsIUCAT - Indiana University's online catalog. IUPUI WorldCat - IUPUI WorldCat allows you to search Indiana University Libraries' holdings and worldwide holdings simultaneously. You can request items through Request Delivery and Interlibrary Loan in IUPUI WorldCat. E-Book Collections netLibrary - A collection of electronic books covering all subject areas including earth sciences and environmental sciences topics. Books24x7: ITPro - Provides access to electronic books related to technology, including GIS systems, data mining, computer programming, etc.
Reference Materials
GUIDES TO THE LITERATUREThese specialized guides and bibliographies aid students and reference staff in identifying specific sources as well as navigating the literature. Some examples are: | TITLE | CALL NUMBER | | Reference Sources in Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Agriculture. | Ref Q158.5 .M355 1994 (2nd floor) | | Information Sources in Science and Technology | Ref Q158.5 .H87 1998 (2nd floor) | | Information Sources in Science and Technology | Electronic resource |
DICTIONARIESUse specialized dictionaries to identify terms, clarify jargon and otherwise become familiar with the language of biology. Some examples are listed below: ENCYCLOPEDIASSpecialized subject encyclopedias provide an overview of a topic, familiarize the user with issues names and dates associated with it, and identify additional materials published on the topic, such as, journal articles. Some examples are listed below: YEARBOOKS AND ALMANACSThese references are annual up-dates and compilations of general or specialized information. Below are some examples: | TITLE | CALL NUMBER | | The Nature Yearbook of Science and Technology | Ref QG .N38 2002 (2nd floor) | | World Almanac & Book of Facts | Ref AY67 .N5 W7 (2nd floor) | | The nature yearbook of science and technology | Ref Q9 .N38 2002 (2nd floor) | | Science & technology almanac | Ref Q173 .S395 2000 (2nd floor) |
HANDBOOKS OR MANUALSUse this material to locate information on one or more topics conveniently arranged. Handbooks are comprehensive in scope, condensed in treatment, and provide charts, tables, graphs and glossaries. Most handbooks are compiled by subject experts and may be intended for the amateur or professional. Some examples are listed below: | TITLE | CALL NUMBER | | Handbook of Biological Data | Ref QH310 .S6 (2nd floor) | | CRC handbook of chemistry and physics | Ref Desk QD65 .H3 2006/07 (2nd floor) | | Merck index; an encyclopedia of chemicals and drugs. | RS51 .M4 (4th floor) | | OMIM: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man | Online |
HISTORIESHistories for most research inquires can be obtained in the aforementioned reference books. However, histories on a give subject discuss the main facts and individuals in its development, and contain bibliographic references. Some examples are: | TITLE | CALL NUMBER | | Oxford companion to the history of modern science | Ref Q125 .O86 2003 (2nd floor) | | Asimov's chronology of science and discovery | Q125 .A765 1989 (4th floor) | | Dictionary of the history of science | Q125 .B98 (4th floor) |
BIOGRAPHIESThis reference source is used to locate brief information on an individual scientist. Biographies generally include vital statistics and significant contributions. For lengthier biographies, such as books or biographical encyclopedias, consult the online card catalog. Some examples are: | TITLE | CALL NUMBER | | Notable Women in the Life Sciences | Ref QH26 .N68 1996 (2nd floor) | | The Biographical Dictionary of Scientists - Biologists | Ref QH26 .B54 1984 (2nd floor) | | Dictionary of Scientific Biography | Ref Q141 .D5 (2nd floor) | | American Men & Women of Science | Q141 .A472 2005 (4th floor) |
ATLASESThis reference is designed to present illustrations, photographs, and plates on one subject. One example is: CLASSIFICATION SOURCESThis specialized reference addresses the taxonomic classification of organisms. Some examples are: MISCELLANEOUSThese references contain a collection of miscellaneous facts on various subjects. Some examples are: | TITLE | CALL NUMBER | | Science and Technology Desk Reference | Ref Q173 .S397 1996 (2nd floor) | | New York Times second book of science questions and answers: 225 new, intriguing, and just plain bizarre inquiries into everyday scientific mysteries. | Electronic |
Open Access Resources
Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) -Peer-reviewed titles address applied and theoretical topics, including biotechnology, condensed matter physics, optics, materials research, and mathematical physics. Public Library of Science (PLoS) Journals -Publishes peer-reviewed, open-access scientific and medical journals that include original research as well as timely feature articles. Campus membership provides a discount to authors for the article publication fee.
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Edward L. F. González
Associate Faculty
Best Time to Contact
Consultation Desk Hours Wednesday 11 AM to 1 PM in
UL 1125 (UL Writing Center)
University Library
Room 3120B
elgonzal@iupui.edu
317-274-4907
UL Reference Desk
Interlibrary Loan
Style Manuals / Writing Aids
Department Websites
IUPUI Department of Biology
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