408 Paterno Library, University Park
PA 16802-1811
814-865-7056 • IM: lifescilib
814-865-7056 • IM: lifescilib
|
||
|
408 Paterno Library, University Park
PA 16802-1811
814-865-7056 • IM: lifescilib | ||
STEP 3: Introductory Guide to Searching for Biology Information
| Find Books: | Most of the time you will not find entire books on narrow research topics, but they are useful for broad topics, reviews of research areas, and for specific information found in the book chapters (use the book's index!). |
 |
The CAT. |
When you find an appropriate book, check its subject headings and use those terms to retrieve more information.
Try combining two of your concepts together with a keyword search to retrieve more specific information. For example using Advanced Search option in “The CAT”, type:
nomenclature in the first box, keeping the search type “Keywords Anywhere”, and botan$ in the second box, keeping the search type "Topic: Title+Subject", and keeping the Connector as “AND”.
Such a search will result in books having the word nomenclature anywhere in the record and also the word root botan (with various endings, e.g. botany, botanical, botanist) somewhere in the title or subject headings.
If your search retrieves too few results, use more general terms or fewer concepts.
For books found to be most relevant, write down all the important information, especially the call number and the location (which tells you exactly where the book will be found). Check the shelf location to make sure the item is available (if it gives a floor number, it should be available). If you are unsure how to read Library of Congress call numbers, use this quick guide to Understanding LC Call Numbers.
Books and monographic series can address specific topics, techniques, or simply review the latest research in a broad subject area.
Examples of monographs (books) that address specific subjects are:
 |
Conserving the Environment Paterno Third Floor GE300.C63 1999 |
|
Biodiversity : a Reference Handbook Soc Sci Ref Ency HN17.5.C657B43 1998 |
|
Five Kingdoms : an Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth, 3rd Edition Life Sci Ref QH83.M35 1998 |
|
Ecology : Concepts and Applications Paterno Fourth Floor QH541.M65 1999 |
There are books that are published regularly, usually annually, and that review the state of research in Biology. These series include:
|
Advances in Botanical Research Paterno Fourth Floor QK1.A353 |
|
Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics Paterno Fourth Floor QH540.A53 v.1-v.34; v.35 (2004) to date available online under title Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics |
|
Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology Paterno Fourth Floor QH573.A54 v.1-v.19; v.20 (2004) to date available online |
Once you have found books, you are ready to move on to Step 4: Finding Articles.
Return to the Introductory Guide to Searching for Biology Information title page.