Chemistry Tutorial

Vast amounts of information for your topic have been published in print and electronic formats. Much of the information is reliable and free on the Internet as OpenSource materials. Other information may be found in specialized databases to which the library subscribes. Whatever data you find, it is always wise to evaluate. Also, remember to cite the information to foster academic honesty and to avoid plagarism. If you need additional or personalized assistance, help is on the way by clicking the Ask-a-Librarian link at the Online Learning library website. Other information, may or may not be on the Internet but may be found in specialized databases. Hints for obtaining information from these sources follow.

Internet

To find information, try the following search techniques at search engines. A search engine searches documents by keywords and returns a list for linking to the documents. Four search engines are Google, Alltheweb, Yahoo and Altavista. Notice that the advanced search tool allows choices for language, domain, etc. If you choose to use the basic search tool, i.e. Google, you may use the + sign, quotes, and an asterisk with your keywords to refine a search: +"chem*" +careers

Different engines have different techniques so it is best to click on "Help" for detailed search instructions for the engine you use. Try typing in "chemistry" +clearinghouse -domain:com to retrieve a list of Internet sites that link to many other sites. Internet terms that are interchangable with "clearinghouse" are "gateway," "metasite," "pathfinder" and "directory." The minus sign endeavors to eliminate the domain ".com" but often mixed results still occur. "chemistry" +filetype:pdf and "chemistry" +filetype:ppt are examples to show how to limit searches to particular file types. Valuable information may also be obtained from the deep web, such as SUCH AS USGVT RESEARCH http://www.energy.gov/sciencetech/index.htm

Listed below are miscellaneous search strategies that you may tailor to the search instructions of the engine you use.

Need speech relevant to chemist receiving prestigious Nobel Prize: +"chemistry" +"nobel prize " +speech
Need bibliography on theory of probability: +"forensic analytic chemistry" +bibliography
Need chemistry jokes:: +"chemistry" +jokes
Need to find a picture, video or audio? Use Altavista search engine's Search screen and click choice at top

Specialized Databases

Research Central accesses specialized fulltext and bibliographic electronic databases that you are encouraged to use during your studies with the university. An important database is the McKee Library's catalog of printed materials. Hints for choosing correct terminology optimizes successful searching. However, you must have a southern.edu e-mail account to access the databases. NetLibrary contains full text of books. Digital Dissertations is an excellent full text source.