Course research guide
biology

This guide provides titles of and links to library resources that can help you with your research assignment. Have fun with your search, and let me know if you have questions or need help at any time!

NOTE: A recording of the library session is linked here! Look for: sacelibrary.2007-02-05_2031.vcr

You need the Elluminate plug-in to see and hear these recordings. You can hit the play button, fast forward, pause, etc.

I. Define Topic - reference sources in section III. below can help you with this part!

What topic are you researching?

List what you know about your topic -- who, what, when, where, why, and how:

What would you like to find out about your topic? What questions do you have? What are your learning issues?

II. Devise Strategy - create a flexible search plan, list key words/names

If you're researching a particular topic, such as "introduced species", then you need to list as many synonyms and related key words as possible. Use the list of words to create multiple combinations with the word AND in order to have a successful search:

• introduced species, non-indigenous, alien, non-native, invasive
• asian clams, boa constrictors, cane toads, kudzu, Japanese beetles, feral cats, snakes
• endangered, habitat loss, threatened, breeding, population
• global warming, environmental pressure

So...what's the difference between KEYWORD v. SUBJECT searching?

• Keyword search = to combine key words or for more specific search; finds items that contain your keywords
• Subject search = for broad search or when you know terminology; finds items that are about that topic

TIPS:

• Use symbols such as the * at the end of key words to pick up alternate endings. (endanger* = endanger, endangered, endangering)
• Use keyword and subject searching together: start with a keyword search, find an item that's relevant, then look for subject headings within item descriptions and work those subject words into your search strategy.
  

III. Search Sources

A. REFERENCE sources - Looking for background information or facts?

Sources labeled Ref are in print and available at the SAC Library, 2nd floor reference room. You can also check your local library catalog to see if they own a copy. Online databases require a login from off-campus.You can get login info HERE. (What does the login page look like?)

Online databases	Screen captures - clickable!
Access Science Online encyclopedia for all sciences. Click on the subsections for Biological and Biomedical Science or Environmental Science. Search within those subject areas for your topic.
CQ Researcher Covers controversial social and political issues.
Gale Virtual Reference Library Includes reference works covering the environment and science.
Opposing Viewpoints Covers controversial issues. Offers Viewpoint essays, Reference, Articles and more! Search for words in Subject or broaden it out to search for words in Keyword or Entire Document.

B. BOOKS, VIDEOS, other items - Looking for in-depth information?

QuickSearch Books & Media (Catalog)

By: Keyword Title Author Subject Call Number Search for:

• Remember the old timey Card Catalog? There were 3 ways you could search it: Author, Title, SUBJECT
• With the online Catalog, start with a Keyword, then look for Subject headings.

A few Subject headings (just copy & paste into box!) you can use to search By Subject:

• Nonindigenous
• Nature conservation
• Competition (Biology)
• Endangered species

• NetLibrary (eBooks)
• How to check out books & eBooks

C. ARTICLES - Looking for current information or need to highlight a specific issue?

Online databases require a login from off-campus.You can get login info HERE. (What does the login page look like?)

• Academic Search Complete - can narrow search in: Science & Technology, EBSCO Animals, Science Reference Center, or Environment Complete

• NewsBank - contains S.A. Express News, Texas, and World news sources

• More databases...

NOTE: If the full-text of the article isn't available online use the Journal Locator. Just type in the periodical title to see if SAC Library owns a paper copy or if another database offers full-text.

D. FREE WEB SITES

• National Invasive Species Info Center - From the US Dept of Agriculture. Includes thorough profiles on plants, animals, microbes, and aquatic species. Look for sections on economic impacts and law and legislation. Try a browse by geography.

• Introduced Species Summary Project, Columbia University - To provide information that would help a natural resources manager or concerned citizen to understand the basic biology of a non-native species and whether and how respond to its arrival. Most of the species have already become common in at least some areas of the Eastern United States. This project is part of the graduate-level Invasion Biology course and a Certificate in Conservation Biology course in Introduction to Ecology , both of which are offered by Dr. James A. Danoff-Burg at the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation , Columbia University .
  

IV. Evaluate and Cite your sources