Covers the Chemical Engineering subject guide, choosing the appropriate database for your information needs, selecting keywords and limits, and using results to find similar articles.
10. Key databases
Compendex aka Engineering
SciFinder Chemistry
Web of Science aka General science/engineering
Scopus General science/engineering
MultiSearch Multi-disciplinary
* Off-campus, log-in via top bar
Google Scholar Multi-disciplinary
* Edit Settings -> Library Links
I’m your personal librarian – contact me for any questions!
This is your one-stop shop for all chem.eng. resources – and contacting me.
Every Learn page has some similarities and some differences as depends how the lecturer uses it.But Library block is included in each Learn course page. Note (from bottom):AskLiveSubject guide (as we just talked about)Search (more in a moment)
Defined by how close to the original research they are.
Reference material gives you good background information when you’re just getting started, or when you want to check key data or formulae.
Each database has its own special focus where it includes more material than others.None has everything – not even Google Scholar.Most of them (except Scholar) let you refine your search.
Choose the key to fit the lock – you want words that:Will appear in the article you want to findWon’t appear in articles you don’t want to find
You can’t use it all so narrow it down (either before or after your search) by:DateLanguageType of article (paper, patent, literature review...)Subject areaAuthor or research group
Look at the title, keywords and abstract to see if it’s relevant before downloading/reading the whole thing.
Read the:Abstract, introduction and conclusion for summariesIntroduction should also give you context about previous researchMethodology to find out more about the process – helpful if you want to replicate, also to be aware of limitationsResults for key findingsDiscussion for what these findings mean, especially in context of previous research and what research still needs to be done.
Like pearls grow from a single grain of sand that builds up layers -If you can find just one useful article, you can use the information there to find more.
For trouble with your course material you can talk to friends, mentors, tutors and lecturers –For trouble finding information, you can talk to me.