PHY 100: Introduction to Physics &
Astronomy Course Guide

Introducing Fogler Library and the Science & Engineering Center

Nancy Curtis, 581-1679
Science & Engineering Center, 581-1691

Reference Desk, 581-1673
Ask A Librarian

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

Writing a paper involves 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.
Use subject guides to find additional materials.

URSUS Catalog

Use the URSUS catalog to find books, journal titles, and other items owned by URSUS libraries (University of Maine, other University of Maine System campuses, Bangor Public Library, Maine State libraries).
Use URSUS for reserve readings, either by course name or instructor.

ReSEARCH Your Topic

Document your research process--list the databases you used, the search terms you tried, etc.
Try alternative terminology: classification as well as category.
Try alternative spelling: categorised as well as categorized..
Truncate (use a wildcard) to get variations on a word: planet* to find planet, planetary, planets, ... Don't drop too many letters when you truncate!
Combine terms, using

ANDs Pluto and planet
and ORs. classification or category

Try combining ANDs, ORs, and truncation: Pluto and planet* and (classif* or categor* or defin* or controver* or debat*)
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.
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:

Who's behind the site? What's listed--and what's NOT included? When was it created or updated? Why was it posted?
Tips on evaluating Internet resources: A Word About Using Information on the Internet, Checklist for Evaluating Web Sites, T is for Thinking.

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:
- Use the request function on URSUS and MaineCat for books
- Use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) for books, journal articles, and more.

Questions?