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PHY 100: Introduction to Physics & Astronomy
Course Guide
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Introducing Fogler Library and the Science & Engineering Center
- Hours during the regular
academic year. Reduced hours during breaks.
- Fogler Library usually changes something (services, resources, locations) over breaks.
What's new at Fogler library.
Plan Ahead, and Pick the Right Tool for the Job
Most library assignments involve many steps--selecting a topic, searching databases, finding articles,
printing or photocopying,
reading, writing. Don't wait until everybody else is trying to do the same
thing. For a good starting point, see the "My research is in:" portals
on the library home page. Not sure which tool to use? Want
some assistance? Contact a librarian!
- Journal articles and [pr]eprints are the primary forms of
scientific communication. Use databases to find
citations or references to journal articles.
- For papers in introductory classes, try
Academic Search Premier or other
general databases.
- For specialized databases relevant to your major, check the
library astronomy
and physics portals.
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Use the URSUS catalog
to find books and other items owned by URSUS libraries (University of Maine,
other University of Maine System campuses, Bangor Public Library, Maine State libraries). Search by keywords to find
items about your
topic.
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Use URSUS to find reserve readings, either by course
name or instructor.
- Use subject guides to find additional
materials.
ReSEARCH Your Topic
- Document your research process--list the databases you used, the search
terms you tried, etc.
- Try alternative terminology: CP violation as well as
CP breaking.
- Try alternative spelling:
anti matter as well as
antimatter..
- Truncate (use a wildcard) to get variations on a word:
symmetr* to
find symmetrical, symmetries, symmetry, ... Don't drop
too many letters when you truncate!
- Combine terms, using
ANDs
antimatter and symmetry |
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and ORs.
violation or breaking |
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- Try combining ANDs, ORs, and truncation: (anti matter or antimatter) and (violat*
or break* or broken)
- Find more references than you need.
- Use limits, such as English language or "scholarly"
("peer reviewed") journals, to refine your results.
Evaluate Your Results BEFORE You Print or Copy
Printing and photocopying costs!
- Your MaineCard permits $16 worth of "free" printing ($0.04/page) each
semester. Pay for excess printouts using campus funds ("Black Bear Bucks").
- Free printing funds don't carry over between semesters, but campus funds do.
- Photocopies cost $0.08/page (campus funds).
Journals (also called magazines, serials, or periodicals):
- Use journal ARTICLES, not editorials, letters to the editor, or book
reviews.
- Read the abstract for a quick summary of an article.
- When the full text of an article is included in the database, skim it
before you print it.
- Do you understand it?
- Is it really relevant to your paper topic?
- Is it too short to contain anything useful, or so long that you'll
never finish reading it?
- Is the article "scholarly" (also "refereed" or "peer reviewed")? Is it from an appropriate journal?
Internet (Web) resources:
Finding Materials in the Library...and Beyond
See Finding Items at Fogler Library for details. Fogler Library is the largest library in the state, and it can be a
confusing place. Check the floor plan to find specific library locations.
Not on the shelf? Not owned by the library? Give us 1-2 weeks lead time, and we can
find
most items for you.
- Circulation staff can recall
a University of Maine book checked out by somebody else.
- Circulation staff can also search for books that are not on the shelf but
not checked out.
- Getting items from other libraries:
Created by: Nancy Curtis |
Revised: 09/01/2009
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