Finding information resources : Physics

Richard Holmes

November 2013

Aims of the sessionTo 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

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

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

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

The Library (Online)

The Library (Online)

4 steps to finding information

1.Identify

keywords

2.Decide

where to search

3.Perform Search

4.Review results

1. Choosing Keywords

Identify the separate elements of your topic:

“The physics behind butterflies’ iridescent colours”

1. Choosing Keywords

Identify the separate elements of your topic:

“The physics behind butterflies’ iridescent colours”

1. Choosing Keywords

Identify the separate elements of your topic:

“The physics behind 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

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”

1. Think of synonyms.2. Can any words be truncated?

Search Strategy Grid

OR

AND

Evol*

form*

Analyse the formation and evolution of galaxies and black holes

grow*

AND

OR

creat*

develop*

“black hole*” galax*

genesis

(“black hole*” or galax*) and (form* or creat* or genesis) and (evol* or develop* or grow*)

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.

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

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?

Beyond the Library Catalogue • Databases

– Book chapters– Journal Articles– Standards– Conference Papers– Theses– Newspapers– Images

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

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

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

Revised Search. Have a go!

• Repeat the search you performed using the Library catalogue in:

– ScienceDirect– Web of Knowledge

How does the number of results compare?

What kind of information is being retrieved?

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

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

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

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

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/

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/

Any Questions

Richard Holmes:richard.holmes@durham.ac.uk