Life Sciences

1. To outline the traditional research pathway beginning with dictionaries, encyclopedias, yearbooks, handbooks, etc.
2. To develop a familiarity and vocabulary of definitions, concepts and reference sources.
3. 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 finding journal articles? View Locating Journals at IUPUI.

Exploring biology or life sciences research and need assistance? Contact Ed Gonzalez, Life Sciences Liaison.

GUIDES TO THE LITERATURE

These specialized guides and bibliographies aid students and reference staff in identifying specific sources as well as navigating the literature. Some examples are:

DICTIONARIES

Use specialized dictionaries to identify terms, clarify jargon and otherwise become familiar with the language of biology. Some examples are listed below:

ENCYCLOPEDIAS

Specialized 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 ALMANACS

These references are annual up-dates and compilations of general or specialized information. Below are some examples:

HANDBOOKS OR MANUALS

Use 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:

HISTORIES

Histories 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:

BIOGRAPHIES

This 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:

ATLASES

This reference is designed to present illustrations, photographs, and plates on one subject. One example is:

CLASSIFICATION SOURCES

This specialized reference addresses the taxonomic classification of organisms. Some examples are:

MISCELLANEA

These references contain a collection of miscellaneous facts on various subjects. Some examples are:

REVIEW JOURNALS

These 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:

INDEXES AND ABSTRACTS

These 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:

CITATION INDEX

Use this unique index to identify scholarly journal articles referenced by other researchers.

CURRENT AWARENESS

These 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: