prs4199 literature searching2010
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PRS4199 Essential library skills and beyond
Searching, retrieving information and locating library
materials
Kathy [email protected]
By the end of this session you should be able to:
Understand the range of library resources available to you.
Locate useful starting points such as the Learning Resources web pages and Subject Gateways
Be able to locate online subject databases to find out what has been published in journals.
Getting started
A good starting point is the LR web site: www.lr.mdx.ac.uk From here you will find links to:-
Library Catalogue - to see what is available at Middlesex University
Library Subject Guides - useful starting points and links created by your subject librarian
Electronic Resources - such as bibliographic databases and on-line journals
What kind of information should I use and where do I get it from?
Books
Middlesex University Library catalogue
http://library.mdx.ac.uk/ Journals
May be available in print or available online. If available in print, catalogue will tell you which campus holds the journal.If available online, there will be a blue link from the catalogue record to the available online issues of the journal
Example
What kind of information do I use and where do I get it from?
Internet
Google Scholar
Google Advanced Search
Intute
Websites of government and international organisations, NGO’s, charities, professional bodies, academic sites etc
Evaluating Internet Resources - Questions to ask
Who has written the material?
Is this a reliable source?
Is it peer reviewed?
Is it accurate and up to date?
Principles of Literature Searching
Prepare a search strategy
Identify significant keywords
Identify related terms
Identify broader and narrower terms
Watch out for varying spelling and terminology - e.g English vs. American
How do I log in to use online journals and databases?
Most online journals and databases are subscription services which require you to log in as a member of a subscribing institution
This gives you access to the e-resources from home provided you have internet access
Your username and password will be the same ones you use to login to the Middlesex University Computer network
Saving a Cookie on your PC
Click here to save institutional cookie
Saving a Cookie on your PC
Or click here before you log into a resource
A useful database for Risk & OHS
This database gives up to date reports, guidance and regulations, including useful forms & checklists:
Barbour - full text health & safety, fire safety, food safety and environment and environmental health information
Barbour
Login using E-Resources username & password
Barbour Search Results
Selecting a document
Barbour Full Text
Other useful databases
Use these Databases to find out what journal articles have been published on your topic:
Geobase (SEM)
Science & Social Science Citation Indexes (All)
Science Direct – full text science database (All)
Ovid Journals(All)
Other full-text resources
Law databases: Lexis Library & Westlaw– full text access to
international case law and legislation
Newspapers: Proquest - full text UK newspaper articles
Science Citation Index (SCI) Search Screen
Combining Searches in SCI
SCI Results Screen
SCI results may not provide full text
But this time, we’re lucky...
Full Text
Science Direct
Restrict search to subscribed journals
Search results
The full text
If there’s time... Have a go at searching one of the
following databases:
Science Citation IndexScience DirectGeobaseOVID Journals
From www.lr.mdx.ac.uk , select Electronic Resources, then Databases
Remember:
Not all databases provide access to full-text journal articles
Use library catalogue/journals list to check availability
Some journals are also available in print – check library catalogue
You may use inter-library loan/other libraries
Now it’s your turnTry using:
Science Citation Index
Science Direct
Ovid Journals
SCONUL Access Scheme
SCONUL Access Scheme provides access to other academic libraries
To apply, ask at the enquiry desk
For more information:
http://www.sconul.ac.uk/using_other_libraries/access/
British Library Website
The British Library website has a link to its catalogue
You can use this to check if material you require is held at St Pancras Reading Rooms
Information on applying for a reader’s pass and the forms of ID required are on the website
http://www.bl.uk
Referencing For information on how to reference your work,
access the Risk, Health, Safety & Environment Library Subject Guide at: http://www.lr.mdx.ac.uk
Select Getting Started
Select Citation & Referencing guide: Natural Sciences
And finally...
Look on LR webpages www.lr.mdx.ac.uk
Password queries:http://webhelpdesk.mdx.ac.uk
Subject enquiries:Kathy McGowan