EGN 1002
Introduction to Library Research in Engineering
Professor Mazouz
Librarian: Ken Frankel
January 20, 2006

Objectives:

Following this session you should know how to:

1.  Use the WebLUIS to locate books and other materials owned by the Library
   
2.  Log into EZproxy (when, how and why)
   
3.  Understand the difference between an electronic journal and a database
   
4.  Become aware of and use some of the most important engineering databases
   
5.  Use SFX to connect to articles in different databases
   
6.  Cite your sources
   
7.  Get more help

I. Locating books in the Library:

1. WebLUIS (the Library's catalog): click on Catalog or Books. The following types of basic searches are available:

A. Keywords: This search looks for a word anywhere in the record. Keywords can be truncated with a ? For example, research? will search for researchers, researching etc. Also, you can search for 2 keywords next to each other this way: research adj methods (adj stands for adjacent)
B. Author's Name: last name first, you don't need to capitalize
C. Title: if a title starts with "The," "A," or "An," omit that and skip to the next word.
D. Subject: This search looks for items classified by a subject heading and organizes the results into sub-topics. Subjects must be entered in a specific manner according to the Library of Congress subject headings. You may get a cross-reference to the preferred subject heading. Some subject heading examples that might be useful:

*If you're not finding anything with a subject search try a keyword search instead*

E. Journal/Magazine Title: be sure to check the "Library Has" link to see which dates the Library owns. (Note: not all electronic journals we have are cataloged in WebLUIS. There is also a link to a list of all electronic journals available at FAU.)

Note the location box, which can be used to limit your search to sections of the library such as the Reference, Media Center or Government Documents Collections.

II.   EZproxy      

To connect to the electronic journals and databases provided by the FAU Libraries from off-campus you must first log into EZproxy using your 14-digit Owl Card number. It is not necessary to do this while working on the FAU campuses.

III. Searching for articles in databases

To search for articles click on “Indexes/Databases” or “Articles.” There are both alphabetical and subject listings of databases. The Libraries provide access to many databases containing information useful to professional engineers and engineering students. Some of these are listed below:

A.  ACM Digital Library
 A collection of citations and full text from ACM journal, magazine and newsletter articles.  In addition, this resource provides access to transactions, conference proceedings and the ACM Guide to Computing Literature.

B.  Applied Science and Technology
Indexes the latest findings in every area of science, engineering, and technology covering trade and industrial publications, journals issued by professional and technical societies, and specialized subject periodicals.

C. Compendex
Covers significant engineering and technical literature from journals, technical reports,   engineering society publications, books, and conference proceedings and papers.

D. ENGnetBASE: Engineering Handbooks Online
Consists of a compilation of essential engineering information, including data, facts,      figures, graphs, equations, illustrations, and charts.

E. IEEE Xplore: IEEE/IEL Electronic Library
Contains the full text of all IEEE/IEE Journals, Conference Proceedings, and Standards   from 1988 to the present.

F. INSPEC  1970-1999
Includes Physics Abstracts, Computer and Control Abstracts, and Electrical and Electronics Abstracts. The largest English language file of bibliographic information and abstracts on the world's output of published works in physics, electrical engineering and electronics, computing, and information technology. Covers scientific and technical journals and conference proceedings. Includes some books, reports, and dissertations.

G. INSPEC  2000-present
Includes Physics Abstracts, Computer and Control Abstracts, and Electrical and Electronics Abstracts. The largest English language file of bibliographic information and abstracts on the world's output of published works in physics, electrical engineering and electronics, computing, and information technology. Covers scientific and technical journals and conference proceedings. Includes some books, reports, and dissertations.

 IV. Citing your References

Engineering disciplines use different styles to document resources used in writing papers. Your professor will normally tell you what style to use; if not, be sure to ask. A useful Web site providing information on citation styles is provided by Purdue University.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html

V. Getting Additional Help

In-Person: at the Reference Desk

Ask-A-Librarian Email (lyref@fau.edu)

or AIM Reference Chat (Screen Name is FAUReference)

Phone: (561) 297-3785