This document provides an overview of finding information for animal science assignments. It discusses search strategies, databases, and specialist resources. Key points covered include using keywords and limits to refine searches, understanding the scope of different databases, and recommended resources for animal science subjects. Students are encouraged to explore Library Search, Scopus, and Lexis Library. Help and support are available through the animal science research guide.

1. Stage 2 Animal Science:
Finding information for your assignments
Julia Robinson, Assistant Librarian for SAgE
University Library

2. Overview
 Today:
 Finding information for your assignments
 Search strategies
 Library Search
 Databases and e-journals
 Specialist resources
 Next week:
 Referencing and EndNote
 Good practice guidelines for referencing
 Introduction to EndNote
University Library

3. Different kinds of information
Books
Internet Ebooks
Journal
Maps articles
Information
resources
Government
Newspapers
reports
Conference
Standards papers
Theses
University Library

4. Information overload?
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5. Search strategy
• Logical • Broad and
connectors narrow terms
(AND, OR, • Related terms
NOT) • Synonyms
• Truncation HOW • Spellings
(conserv*, WHAT
Search
wom?n) Keywords
techniques
WHERE
WHEN
Appropriate
Limits
• By date sources
• By language • Books
• By type • Journals
• Newspapers
• Statistics
• Official docs
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6. Identifying keywords activity
“The impact of animal welfare policies on farming”
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7. Keywords – an example
“The impact of animal welfare policies on farming”
Impact Animal Welfare Farming
Farms/
Effect Livestock Care
Farmers
Agricultural
Influence Ruminant Maintenance
industry
Cow/ pig/ Livestock
Impression Rights
sheep/ chicken breeders
Consequence Conditions Rural industry
University Library

8. Move on to where, when and how
Identify information need
Set scope and limits
Use appropriate sources effectively
University Library

9. Choosing and using Library resources
Library Search
• Books, ebooks, journal articles, eprints
Subject databases
• Journal articles and conference papers
Specialist resources
• Government publications, market
data, law and regulations, newspaper
content
University Library

10. Improved searching with Library Search
http://libsearch.ncl.ac.uk
Includes data from the
Library catalogue and a
range of electronic
resources
Full and mo Full & mobile views
Warning! Not all our
resources are covered
by Library Search
University Library

11. Understanding databases
Database: Database:
EJ Collection:
Single publisher
Multi- Subject
publisher specific
Scopus
Science Direct CAB Abstracts
Web of
Knowledge Passport GMID
Lexis Library
Easy to use Cover many
subjects
Not usually
Frequently full-text
full-text Not usually
full-text
Look for the
Only one
publisher Look for the
button
button
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12. Specialist resources
Government/official publications and legislation
• Environmental Management
• Lexis Library
• Official websites (e.g. http://www.defra.gov.uk/)
Newspaper coverage
• Lexis Library
Market data and statistics
• Passport GMID
• OECD iLibrary
University Library

13. Recommended resources for your subject
http://libguides.ncl.ac.uk/animal
University Library

14. Our electronic
RAS – Remote Application
resources are Service https://ras.ncl.ac.uk/
available any
time, anywhere Use Library Resources
folder
Library Web pages &
Library Guide for
Animal Science

15. Can’t find what you need?
Reserve via Library Search
Books on Time
Inter Library Loan (ILL)
University Library

16. Help and support
http://libguides.ncl.ac.uk/animal
University Library

17. Activities for today – explore resources
Library Search
Scopus
Lexis Library
University Library