325 Hammond
University Park, PA 16802
814 865 3697
The University Libraries Web is the gateway to the wide range of resources that are available to the Penn State community. These include The CAT, the catalog of the materials accessed through the University Libraries, databases in a number of subjects, full text journal collections, and some full text reference materials. The CAT and the databases that are most useful in engineering science will be reviewed. After the summary of the database, there is a link to a web page with more detailed information and examples. The list of databases available is called the Databases by Title (A-Z). All the described databases and their descriptions are on the List. Click on the /database_info.gif)
icon for information about the database.
If you are having trouble locating a database for your subject, check out the Research Guides by Subject option on the Libraries' Home Page. These guides provide information on databases, web sites, books, and other sources by specific subject.
The CAT
The CAT provides author, title, and subject access to 'whole items.' Whole items means that the entire resource is indexed without information to the parts of the work. For example, a conference will be listed by the title of the conference, the editor, the sponsoring agency, and subject headings. The individual papers presented at the conference will not be indexed in the CAT. Journal titles will be listed, but not individual papers published in the journal. For access to individual articles or conference papers a subject database is used.
Materials that are indexed in the CAT include books, journal titles, computer files, CD ROMs, conferences, videos, maps, etc.
Quick Guide to Searching the CAT (HTML version) or Quick Guide to Searching in the CAT(easy-print PDF version).
Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe
Interdisciplinary database to journals, newspapers, trade magazines, media coverage and more. Very good for looking at news, business, social aspects of engineering.
ProQuest
ProQuest is a multi-disciplinary database which indexes over 5000 journals, magazines and newspapers. Approximately one third are full text. While coverage of engineering topics is not strong from a technological sense, it is very good for looking at the news, social and economic aspects of engineering.
AccessScience (McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology) Good resource for definitions and basic information. Does not have information on all terms but a more authoritative resource than general web encyclopedias.
Science.gov
"Science.gov is a gateway to authoritative selected science information provided by U.S. Government agencies, including research and development results." (web page)
GreenR: "(Global Reference on the Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources) is an interdisciplinary resource that offers content on the development of emerging green technologies and discusses issues on the environment, sustainability and more. It is interactive and current, allowing users to navigate issue, organization and country portals.”
Compendex
Compendex (Computerized Engineering Index) is the major index to all branches of engineering. It indexes journal articles and conference papers from 1884 -. Many resources are available full text online. Either use the Full Text button or the Get It! button. If we don't have the item full text online, you will need to go to the CAT to see if PSU owns the item.
NTIS
NTIS (National Technical Information Service) is a major index to technical reports. A major part are on the various branches of engineering. Coverage starts with 1964. You may search by author, title, keyword or subject headings. There is no call number, but each report is identified by a ID number, which is the number used in filing the reports, on microfiche, in cabinets on the left side of the Engineering Library. However, now many of the reports (especially the more recent reports) are available fulltext and free on the Web. Open Google in another window, copy the title of the report from NTIS and paste in the exact phrase box in Advanced Search in Google. If the report you need is not in the file cabinet or available on the Web, ask for assistance at the circulation desk in the Engineering Library. We can order the report for you. It normally takes approximately ten days for the report to arrive.
DoE Information Bridge Includes the full text and bibliographic records of DOE (Department of Energy)-sponsored technical reports published since 1996.
Energy Citations Database contains bibliographic records for energy and energy-related STI from the Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessor agencies, the Energy Research & Development Administration (ERDA) and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). The Database provides access to DOE publicly available citations from 1948 through the present, with continued growth through regular updates.
INIS Covers nuclear science and technology; indexes and abstracts journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports; 1970 - present
OnePetro OnePetro is a multi-society database of materials related to the oil and gas production industry. Penn State users have access to the fulltext of the Society of Petroleum Engineers technical papers and journals through this resource.
GreenFile “database focusing on the relationship between human beings and the environment, with information on topics ranging from global warming to recycling to alternate fuel sources and beyond. Comprised of scholarly and general interest titles, as well as government documents and reports”
Sustainability Abstracts “This database contains resources related to sustainable development and conservation of natural resources.”
American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) “ACORE is an organization of member companies and institutions that are dedicated to moving renewable energy into the mainstream of America’s economy, ensuring the success of the renewable energy industry while helping to build a sustainable and independent energy future for the nation.” Has a number of full text, free reports linked under publications.
National Renewal Energy Laboratory “NREL is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.” Searchable database for NREL reports, most available full text as pdfs.
DoE Hydropower
DoE Wind and Water Power
American Nuclear Society “The American Nuclear Society is a not-for-profit, international, scientific and educational organization. It was established by a group of individuals who recognized the need to unify the professional activities within the diverse fields of nuclear science and technology.”
Nuclear Energy Agency “The mission of the NEA is to assist its Member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international co-operation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for the safe, environmentally friendly and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.”
Nuclear Regulatory Commission The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was created as an independent agency by Congress in 1974 to enable the nation to safely use radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while ensuring that people and the environment are protected. The NRC regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection and enforcement of its requirements.
Office of Nuclear Energy (DoE) “The Office of Nuclear Energy promotes nuclear power as a resource capable of meeting the Nation's energy, environmental and national security needs by resolving technical and regulatory barriers through research, development and demonstration.”
DoE Solar
US Solar Year in Review 2009 from the Solar Energy Industries Association. Check links for other information on solar energy.
US Dept. of Energy database of State Initiatives on Renewables and Efficiencies
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Energy Technology Data Exchange World Energy Base (ETDEWEB)
“ETDE's Energy Database is the largest collection of energy research and technology literature in the world”
Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG)
“The WBDG is a web-based portal providing one-stop access to up-to-date information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and technology from a 'whole buildings' perspective. It is made available by the National Institute of Building Sciences.”
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
The International Living Building Institute
Green engineering : environmentally conscious design of chemical processes - Allen, David T.
TP155.2.E58A54 2002 (Engineering Library)
Socially Responsible Engineering: Justice in Risk Management - Daniel A. Vallero and P. Aarne Vesilind
TD153.V34 2007 (Engineering Library)
Sustainable design : the science of sustainability and green engineering - Vallero, Daniel
Electronic book
Sustainable energy systems engineering : the complete green building design resource - Gevorkian, Peter.
TJ808.G48 2007 (Engineering Library) and electronic book
BP Current and historical information as well as projections on energy. Explore other links on the BP page for energy related information.
Statistical Review of World Energy
Energy Statistics Yearbook (United Nations) Earth and Mineral Sciences Library, HD9540.4.U4802
International Energy Agency “The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental organisation which acts as energy policy advisor to 28 member countries in their effort to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for their citizens.” (source: web site) They have a number of free publications and statistical reports on their web page.
World Energy Outlook Fulltext access through the University Libraries. Note that you need to click on the Pdf link in the middle of the page to get the text.
US Energy Information Administration (EIA) Provides a wide range of information on the web. Information by country, state, and type of energy. Select the Reports link for a listing of all their reports (consumption, forecasts, profiles, and more)
Annual Energy Outlook note, you can select other years from the bottom of the page
Engineering Library
Energy Resources and Engineering
Business
Sustainable Engineering
Environmental Sciences
An example of a subject search in the CAT. It combines 2 topics – marcellus shale and drilling. With the use of the AND, both subjects must be in the record. The search is general (a keyword search) so the terms can be anywhere in the title, subjects, content note, or table of contents.
Search turned up 8 hits.
Scrolling through I find one of real interest and click on 
on the left side of the page to see the detailed record of the title.
The first screen provides basic information, including where the book is located. Note this one is both in a library and available online.
Second tab provides more descriptive information, including subjects. These can be very useful in finding more information on your topic as they provide ‘official’ descriptive terms and are hyperlinked.
You can also search Proquest, LexisNexis Academic, or Opposing Viewpoints for additional resources at a general level.
3. Find more detailed information on your topic. Use the engineering and subject specific databases and web sites in this guide and in other research guides of interest. For example, you might want to use the Sustainable Engineering Guide –
Use what you find in each database to help you search in the others. Make a note of the terms that lead to good resources. Note: terminology can change for database to database so be flexible. This is one way your notes can help you as you develop your research.
4. If needed, go to appropriate sources for statistical information. Develop your topic as needed with additional research in the databases. You should be able to develop your searches better by using the terminology you have found in your earlier searches.
5. Write your paper. Remember to cite (note where you got the information) for anything that isn’t common knowledge or any statistic. Be sure to put any text from other resources in quotes and cite it properly. Citation links are noted in this web site.
For help finding the right databases, search words, or other problems, check the research guide of interest, see a librarian or your professor.
International Society for Environmental Ethics (ISEE) : “For more than twenty years ISEE has striven to advance research and education in the field of environmental ethics and philosophy, and to promote appropriate human use, respect, conservation, preservation, and understanding of the natural world.
National Society of Professional Engineers - Engineering Ethics : This resource developed by the NSPE includes the organization's professional code of ethics, case summaries brought before the Ethical Review Board, and links to other ethics-related resources developed by NSPE.
Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Research ”managed by the Center for Ethics Engineering and Society (CEES) at the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).”Includes a bibliography of environmental ethics and sustainability."
Penn State College of Engineering – Ethics Website
*Site contains a variety of resources in engineering ethics, including case studies, teaching aids, decision processes, theory guides, course resources, links to codes, relevant organizations, books, and articles.
Engineering Ethics Bibliographies : bibliographies from Illinois Institute of Technology
Engineering, ethics, and the environment - Vesilind, P. Aarne
Call Number: TA157.V42 1998 (Engineering Library)
Engineering Ethics: Concepts and Cases - Charles Harris, Michael Pritchard, and Michael Rabins
TA157.H37 2008 (Engineering Library)
Ethical Issues in Engineering - Deborah Johnson
Call Number: CSEP.TA157.E83 1991
This anthology includes a number of readings divided in sections such as the"engineer's responsibility to society" and "obligations of loyalty to employer." Each section is accompanied by a number of related case studies.
Introduction to Engineering Ethics - Roland Schinzinger and Mike W. Martin
TA157.S382 2010
Social, Ethical, and Policy Implications of Engineering - Joseph R. Herkert
TA157.S628 2000 (Engineering Library) and electronic book
Thinking Like an Engineer - Michael Davis
TA157.D385 1998
The 2 most important links from the Libraries home page might be these. The first provides a basic one stop information source to the services and policies of the Libraries. The second provides links to a number of ways to get help and who to go to for your specific subject.
Interlibrary Loan link from the Libraries Home Page gives you options to materials that the University Library does not own.
My Library Record allows you to renew your books without bringing them back to the library (2 times, anyway) and lets you check what books you have out, when they are due, what is on hold, fines, etc. Look for the link on the Libraries' homepage.
Site for FYS ME Seminar, January 17, 2011
