Advanced Library Information Advanced Library Information

SkillsSkills for USP Studentsfor USP Students

Conducted by Conducted by

Mrs. Hew Yik SuanMrs. Hew Yik Suan

Manager (Science Library)Manager (Science Library)

Today’s TopicsToday’s Topics

How to initiate a systematic approach on How to initiate a systematic approach on conducting researchconducting research

How to search the relevant reference How to search the relevant reference databases available for your subject of studydatabases available for your subject of study

Starting a Research ProjectStarting a Research Project

Identify the Identify the research topicresearch topic

Initiate a Initiate a literature search literature search

How to initiate a literature search?How to initiate a literature search?

Start with a simple / quick literature Start with a simple / quick literature search in LINCsearch in LINC

Follow with an extensive search in Follow with an extensive search in relevant reference databases in relevant reference databases in Digital LibraryDigital Library

How to construct the search concept?How to construct the search concept?

Identify keywords Identify keywords

& main concepts& main conceptsList synonyms List synonyms

for each conceptfor each concept

Think of the broader terms Think of the broader terms

for each concept to getfor each concept to get

aa better perspective better perspective

on your research topicon your research topic

Research Topic : Research Topic :

Altruism in AnimalsAltruism in Animals

AltruismAltruism

Zoology behaviour of an animal that benefits Zoology behaviour of an animal that benefits another at its own expenseanother at its own expense

Selfless concern for the well being of othersSelfless concern for the well being of others

The practice of thinking of the needs and The practice of thinking of the needs and desires of other people instead of your owndesires of other people instead of your own

Sacrifice, if necessary of life itself, so that Sacrifice, if necessary of life itself, so that others, commonly offspring or other others, commonly offspring or other genetically close younger relatives, may genetically close younger relatives, may survive or otherwise benefit.survive or otherwise benefit.

Search ConceptSearch Concept

Research Topic: Research Topic: Altruism in AnimalsAltruism in Animals

KeywordsKeywords SynonymsSynonyms Broader TermsBroader Terms

AltruismAltruism Unselfish behaviorUnselfish behavior

Helping behaviorHelping behaviorSocial behaviorSocial behavior

SociobiologySociobiology

Social psychologySocial psychology

Kinship selectionKinship selection

Reciprocal altruismReciprocal altruism

Tit-for-tatTit-for-tat

AnimalsAnimals Living creatureLiving creature

HumanHumanAnimal kingdomAnimal kingdom

Animal WorldAnimal World

ZoologyZoology

Search ConceptSearch Concept

Research Topic : Research Topic : A Study of Eulerian graphA Study of Eulerian graph

KeywordsKeywords SynonymsSynonyms Broader TermsBroader Terms

Eulerian graphEulerian graph Euler tourEuler tour Graphs & multi graphsGraphs & multi graphs

TrailsTrails

Multi graph with even Multi graph with even verticesvertices

Postman problemPostman problem

Use Boolean operators to formulate the search statement

ANDAND is used to indicate that is used to indicate that both termsboth terms must be must be presentpresent

OR OR is used to indicate that is used to indicate that either termseither terms may be may be presentpresent

NOTNOT is used to indicate that is used to indicate that one term must be one term must be presentpresent

For example:For example: (Graph! OR Combinatoric*) NOT (Function graph!)(Graph! OR Combinatoric*) NOT (Function graph!)

(altrui! OR unselfish behavior) AND (animal*) (altrui! OR unselfish behavior) AND (animal*) NOT (ant*)NOT (ant*)

Search RelevanceSearch Relevance

How do you know that the search is relevant?How do you know that the search is relevant?You may consider the following questions :You may consider the following questions :

Does the item give an overview of your topic?Does the item give an overview of your topic?

Does the item cover one or some aspects of Does the item cover one or some aspects of your topic?your topic?

Does the item cover the situation in the country Does the item cover the situation in the country and place that you are covering?and place that you are covering?

Evaluating SourcesEvaluating Sources

How good are the sources?How good are the sources?

In evaluating your sources, you may wish to consider the In evaluating your sources, you may wish to consider the following general criteria:following general criteria:

AuthorityAuthority (Is it done by the experts in that field?)(Is it done by the experts in that field?)

AccuracyAccuracy (Are the information, data or methods (Are the information, data or methods reliable?)reliable?)

Objectivity Objectivity (How objective is it? Is it peer reviewed?)(How objective is it? Is it peer reviewed?)

TimelinessTimeliness (Is the information up-to-date?)(Is the information up-to-date?)

How do you cite references ?How do you cite references ?

BookChen, J.F. 1995. Nutritional immunology. Provo, Utah: Bright Ideas Press.

Chapter in Book Williams, M.E. 1992. Molecular biology of cytoplasmic male sterility. In Plant Breeding Reviews, ed. Janick, J., pp. 23-51. New York: Wiley.

Journal ArticlePierrard, V. 2003. Evaporation of hydrogen and helium atoms from the atmospheres of Earch and Mars. Planetary and Space Science 51: 319-327.

Conference paperTurner, S. and Somerville, C. 1995. Analysis of vascular tissue differentiation.6th International Conference on Arabidopsis Research. 93-95.

ThesesNg Khee Yew. 1997. Regulation of photosynthesis and phloem transport in Oncidium Goldiana. (B.Sc. Hons.) School of Biological Sciences, The National University of Singapore. Pp. 126

Searching one database may not be Searching one database may not be sufficient, do the search in a few sufficient, do the search in a few other relevant databases to get other relevant databases to get wider coverage and perspective.wider coverage and perspective.

Abstracts and IndexesAbstracts and Indexes

Biological Sciences

Reference Databases in Digital Library :Reference Databases in Digital Library : BIOSIS PreviewsBIOSIS Previews Science Citation IndexScience Citation Index SciFinder ScholarSciFinder Scholar PubMedPubMed Encyclopedia of Life SciencesEncyclopedia of Life Sciences

Standalone CD-ROMs in Science Library:Standalone CD-ROMs in Science Library: Life Science CDLife Science CD Focus on GeneticsFocus on Genetics Zoological Abstracts on Compact DiscZoological Abstracts on Compact Disc

Abstracts and IndexesAbstracts and Indexes

MathematicsMathematics

Reference Databases in Digital Library :Reference Databases in Digital Library : MathSciNetMathSciNet Science Citation IndexScience Citation Index

NUSNET (via CD-ROM on Windows)NUSNET (via CD-ROM on Windows) Encyclopedia of MathematicsEncyclopedia of Mathematics

Standalone CD-ROMs in Science Library:Standalone CD-ROMs in Science Library: Current Index to Statistics CIS Extended Current Index to Statistics CIS Extended

DatabaseDatabase Calculus LiveCalculus Live MathCad 2001MathCad 2001

Abstracts and Indexes

PhysicsPhysics

Reference Databases in Digital Library:Reference Databases in Digital Library:

INSPECINSPEC Science Citation IndexScience Citation Index SPIN (Searchable Physics Information Notices)SPIN (Searchable Physics Information Notices)

Standalone CD-ROMs in Science LibraryStandalone CD-ROMs in Science Library

Powder Diffraction FilePowder Diffraction File Handbook of Chemistry and PhysicsHandbook of Chemistry and Physics

Abstracts and IndexesAbstracts and Indexes

Computer ScienceComputer Science

Reference Databases in Digital Library :Reference Databases in Digital Library : IEEE XploreIEEE Xplore ISI Essential Science IndicatorsISI Essential Science Indicators ISI ProceedingsISI Proceedings INSPECINSPEC ACM Online Guide to Computing LiteratureACM Online Guide to Computing Literature MathSciNetMathSciNet

Standalone CD-ROMs in Science Library:Standalone CD-ROMs in Science Library:

ISTP on CD-ROMISTP on CD-ROM Computer AbstractsComputer Abstracts Hilites DatabaseHilites Database

Abstracts and IndexesAbstracts and Indexes

ChemistryChemistry

Reference Databases in Digital Library :Reference Databases in Digital Library :

SciFinder ScholarSciFinder Scholar Science Citation IndexScience Citation Index Dictionary of Substances and their EffectsDictionary of Substances and their Effects MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets)MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) Food Science and TechnologyFood Science and Technology

Standalone CD-ROMs in Science Library:Standalone CD-ROMs in Science Library:

Powder Diffraction FilePowder Diffraction File Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC InternationalOfficial Methods of Analysis of AOAC International Properties of Organic CompoundsProperties of Organic Compounds ACD/ Labs Software: IUPAC Name Pro 4.5 & Aldrich ACD/ Labs Software: IUPAC Name Pro 4.5 & Aldrich

FT-NMR Library Pro 4.5FT-NMR Library Pro 4.5

Reference Databases SearchReference Databases Search

ScienceDirectScienceDirect consists of: consists of: • BIOSIS PreviewsBIOSIS Previews• INSPECINSPEC• CompendexCompendex• MEDLINEMEDLINE

MathSciNetMathSciNet

Access the Digital LibraryAccess the Digital Library

http://www.lib.nus.edu.sg/digital/index.http://www.lib.nus.edu.sg/digital/index.htmlhtml

Access the Digital Library off-CampusAccess the Digital Library off-Campus

http://www.lib.nus.edu.sg/help/digital/accessdl.hthttp://www.lib.nus.edu.sg/help/digital/accessdl.htmlml

BIOSIS PreviewsBIOSIS Previews BIOSIS Previews is the reference database in BIOSIS Previews is the reference database in

the Life Sciencesthe Life Sciences

Links to full text journals, access depend on Links to full text journals, access depend on whether NUS Libraries subscribes to themwhether NUS Libraries subscribes to them

Requires login ID and Password for using full Requires login ID and Password for using full search featuressearch features

http://www.lib.nus.edu.sg/digital/http://www.lib.nus.edu.sg/digital/

MathSciNetMathSciNet

MathSciNet is a searchable MathSciNet is a searchable database providing access to database providing access to “Mathematical Reviews”“Mathematical Reviews” and and “Current Mathematical “Current Mathematical Publications”Publications” both produced by both produced by the American Mathematical the American Mathematical Society.Society.

MathSciNetMathSciNetIt provides:It provides:

Fulltext coverage of Fulltext coverage of “Mathematical “Mathematical Reviews”Reviews” from to the present from to the present (updated monthly)(updated monthly)

Bibliographic data for recent and Bibliographic data for recent and forthcoming publications in forthcoming publications in “Current “Current Mathematical Publications”Mathematical Publications” (updated (updated daily)daily)

Useful Writing GuidesUseful Writing Guides

Guide to the successful thesis and dissertationGuide to the successful thesis and dissertation/ / J. E. Mauch & J. W. Birch. – Marcel J. E. Mauch & J. W. Birch. – Marcel Dekker,1998. (LB2369 Mau) (SC Ref 9) Dekker,1998. (LB2369 Mau) (SC Ref 9)

Mathematics into typeMathematics into type. Updated ed. – American . Updated ed. – American Mathematical Society, 1999. (T11 Swa) (SC Mathematical Society, 1999. (T11 Swa) (SC Ref 9)Ref 9)

The scientist’s handbook for writing papers and The scientist’s handbook for writing papers and dissertationsdissertations/ A. M. Wilkinson. – Prentice / A. M. Wilkinson. – Prentice Hall, 1991. (T11 Wil) (SC Ref 9)Hall, 1991. (T11 Wil) (SC Ref 9)

Useful Writing GuidesUseful Writing Guides

A student handbook for writing in biologyA student handbook for writing in biology/ K. Knisely. – / K. Knisely. – Freeman, 2002. (QH304 Kni 2002) (SC Ref 5)Freeman, 2002. (QH304 Kni 2002) (SC Ref 5)

The write right guideThe write right guide /C. Low & D. Pan. - 5 /C. Low & D. Pan. - 5thth ed. – Centre ed. – Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning, NUS. for Development of Teaching and Learning, NUS. (PE1408 Low 2003) (SC Ref 9)(PE1408 Low 2003) (SC Ref 9)

Writing research papers : a complete guideWriting research papers : a complete guide/ J. D. / J. D. Lester. - 9Lester. - 9thth ed. – Longman,1999. (LB2369 Les) (SC ed. – Longman,1999. (LB2369 Les) (SC Ref 9)Ref 9)

Writing science through critical thinkingWriting science through critical thinking / M. F. / M. F. Moriarty. Jones & Bartlett Pub., 1997. (T11 Mor) (SC Moriarty. Jones & Bartlett Pub., 1997. (T11 Mor) (SC Main Shelves)Main Shelves)

What do you do when the materials you What do you do when the materials you want is not found in the NUS Libraries?want is not found in the NUS Libraries?

You may request the library to obtain the item for You may request the library to obtain the item for you through you through electronic formselectronic forms available at available at Digital Digital LibraryLibrary

Request for Document DeliveryRequest for Document DeliveryRequest to Purchase New Books for the Request to Purchase New Books for the

LibraryLibraryRequest to Subscribe to New Journals Request to Subscribe to New Journals

for the Libraryfor the Library

Check whether other major local libraries (NTU, Singapore Check whether other major local libraries (NTU, Singapore Polytechnic, Botanic Gardens) hold a particular book or Polytechnic, Botanic Gardens) hold a particular book or journaljournal

Science LibraryScience LibraryExercises for the Advanced Library Information Skills for USP StudentsExercises for the Advanced Library Information Skills for USP Students

WorkshopWorkshop

1. Construct a search statement for the following research topic. (Select one of 1. Construct a search statement for the following research topic. (Select one of them)them)

a). A study of Zebra-fish trade in Singapore a). A study of Zebra-fish trade in Singapore

b). Quantum theory of tunneling b). Quantum theory of tunneling

c). A study of Set Theory and Logicc). A study of Set Theory and Logic

2. List the keywords, synonyms, and broader terms for the topic2. List the keywords, synonyms, and broader terms for the topic

KeywordsKeywords SynonymsSynonyms Broader TermsBroader Terms

3. What reference databases are you going to use for the above topic?3. What reference databases are you going to use for the above topic?

4. Too many references? Too less references? What can you do to broaden or narrow 4. Too many references? Too less references? What can you do to broaden or narrow down the search?down the search?

Search ConceptSearch Concept

ResearchResearch Topic : Topic : A study of Zebra-fish trade in A study of Zebra-fish trade in SingaporeSingapore

KeywordsKeywords SynonymsSynonyms Broader termsBroader terms

ZebrafishZebrafish Danio rerioDanio rerio

OsteichthyesOsteichthyesTropical fishTropical fish

Ornamental fishOrnamental fish

Freshwater fishFreshwater fish

PiscesPisces

TradeTrade IndustryIndustry BusinessBusiness

CommerceCommerce

SingaporeSingapore ASEANASEAN

AsiaAsiaSoutheast AsiaSoutheast Asia

TropicsTropics

Research Topic: Research Topic: Quantum theory Quantum theory of tunnelingof tunneling

KeywordKeyword Synonyms Synonyms Broader TermsBroader Terms

QuantumQuantum Quantum mechanic PhysicsQuantum mechanic PhysicsTheoryTheory

TunnelingTunneling Potential barrier JunctionPotential barrier Junction

A study of Set theory and LogicA study of Set theory and Logic

KeywordKeyword SynonymsSynonyms Broader TermBroader Term

Set theorySet theory SymbolicSymbolic Mathematics Mathematics

LogicLogic ReasoningReasoning MethodologyMethodologythought & thought & IntellectIntellectthinkingthinking PhilosophyPhilosophy