Tools for Finding Articles
Web of Science/Web of Knowledge(Science Citation Index)
Ingenta - Browse or search publications
Science Direct (Elsevier Online Journals)
Environmental Sciences and Pollution Management
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
SciFinder Scholar (Chemical Abstracts) - You must register first. Then login.
Other Article Databases - for other disciples intersecting with geology (examples: health, life sciences...)
Locations of Many UIUC Print Geology Journals
General, for undergraduate papers:
Academic Search Premier (EBSCO)
Full Text Electronic Journals
Connect to Full Text Electronic Journals in the Geosciences
The Full List of Electronic Journals Available to UIUC Patrons
Tools for Finding Books and Documents
UIUC Online Library Catalog (Web)
See Library Catalogs for other online catalogs
Dissertation Abstracts(ProQuest Digital Dissertations)
Virtual Technical Reports Center - U. Maryland Libraries
Borrow Material not Owned by UIUC
I-Share: Search and get material from one of the Illinios Libraries Online Catalogs
Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery Service
Internet Resources
Style and Writing Guides & Tools
References for Scientific Communication and Literary Style - from Dr. Steven Altaner, Geology Dept., UIUC
Writing Guidelines for Engineering and Science Students
Suggestions to Authors of the Reports of the United States Geological Survey
Reference
Other online reference resources are available from the Geology Library home pages.
Print reference resources are available in the Reference Section (Reading Room) of the Geology Library.
Glossary of geology, 4th ed., 1997 [Geology Ref: 550.3 Am3gL1997]
Step 1.Select and narrow your topic.
One of the most common mistakes made by college students, particularly undergraduates, is the failure to sufficiently narrow the topic of the paper. For example "Global Climate Change" is a good place to start, but needs to be narrowed. Another common mistake is to narrow the topic to the point that not enough material is available. For this example, let's use the topic: Geochemical models for hydrology.
Step 2.Choose your search terms.
Think of synonyms. You will add to your list as you search and evaluate your search results. Example:
Step 3.Define your search strategy.
Your search strategy will partly depend on the search engine you use. Search engines are not yet standardized, and each will handle elements such as Boolean operators, truncation, and so forth differently. Consult the help functions for each search engine to ensure that you obtain the correct results.
Step 4.Choose your database
Step 5.Conduct your search
Step 6.Evaluate search results, note additional terms and unwanted terms.
Step 7.Refine search and re-do.
Step 8.Find out whether UIUC has the material; if not, use Interlibrary Loan (IRRC).