Environmental Science ((SCIE-500)
From PhillipsWiki
Contents |
Research Process
For guidance in the research process, look to the menu on the left hand side.
Gain an overview with Reference Sources
Reference Sources are a great way to get broad information on a subject or idea. These books might inform how your environmental issue relates within a larger context.
- Macmillan Encyclopedia of the Environment
- Global Warming: A Desk reference
- Environmental Encyclopedia
- Encyclopedia of Global Change
- Encyclopedia of Environmental Studies
- Dictionary of Energy
Delve deeper with Books
Although your project is somewhat particular to life at Phillips Academy, you might need additional information. Books offer a more complete look at a subject as well as give good ideas for other resources and references.
Find books and more at the OWHL
Most people start with a keyword searchof the library catalog. The computer will look for your words in the book "record" The record contains an item's title, author, subject, and table of contents or item summary.
Choose your keywords carefully
Subject Searches'' are an even more powerful way to search the catalog. They will focus your search using the exact terminnology employed by librarians to describe the book. Subjects can be found at the bottom of an items record. Simply click oto execute the search. Some subjects you might find helpful are:
Using Reserves
Some of the more valuable materials have been placed on reserve for your class. You must ask for these books at the circulation desk.
Books on Reserve at the OWHL
Getting materials from other libraries
You may also acquire items from libraries other than the OWHL. If you are not finding what you need / want, please contact a librarian for help with this service.
Find Articles using Databases
Article databases contain thousands of articles organized and searchable using keywords, sepcific journal titles, publishing dates, etc... Information contained in articles can be more specific than book information as well as more up to date. The primary method to access articles from magazines and journals is through databases. You can access these databases both on and off campus. If you're off campus, you may be prompted for your "library card number". This is simply your PA ID number, which is on your ID card.
Below is a chart of some databases that you may find helpful in this assignment. To see a listing of all the databases to which the library subscribes, visit the Databases A-Z Page.
| Title of Database Click on to go to database | About the Database |
|---|---|
| Access Science | The complete text of the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. An excellent introduction to any scientific subject. Learn More |
| Scientific American Online | The complete collection of Scientific American -- a journal dedicated to bringing insights and developments of science and technology to lay readers for over 100 years. Learn More |
| Academic OneFile | A general database that includes articles from scholarly as well as popular publications. Learn More |
| Academic Search Elite | Similar to that listed above, this is another general database using a different search interface. Learn More |
| Educator's Reference Complete | Devoted to teaching and education, you may find some valuable insights on teaching sustainability or similar concepts.] |
| Professional Development Collection | Another database dedicated to education and teaching. |
Explore Internet Sources
You will probably find websites helpful for this project. Always remember to evaluate your sources when you are looking at websites. Below is a list f some sites you should find worthwhile for your project.
| Website | What is it? | |
|---|---|---|
| Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education | This organization serves a sa clearinghouse for information on sustainable campuses and ideas. Check out the Resource Center for ideas and examples of other campuses. | |
| The Sustainable Campus | Billing itself as an information center, it contains some worthwhile information, and an excellent list of links to colleges and university campus sustainability initiatives. | |
| The Campus Consortium for Environmental Excellence | A group dedicated to environmental performance. Site includes links to campuses as well as information and resources. | |
| The National Association of College and University Business Officers | The resource page for this group contains links to news items, sustainability programs, and operational issues. | |
| Introduction to Carbon Offsets | This easy to read guide from the The Carbon Catalog gives a good introduction to the idea of offsets including a glossary and a criteria checklist to evaluate any programs. | |
| Energy Star Home Page | The home page for the enrgy star program includes a lot of information on ergy conservation in homes and businesses. |
Citations and Documentation
The menu on the left hand side includes a link to the citation section of the OWHL Website.
