Geochemistry

Steps for Finding Information on Your Topic

Step 1. Choose your search terms. You will add to your list as you search and evaluate your search results.

Water Chemistry Model NOT
water chemistry model ocean
aqueous chemical models marine
hydrochemical hydrochemical modeling sea
hydrochemistry hydrochemistry modelling
hydrodynamic(s) chemicals computer program(s)
hydro* geochemistry Fortran program(s)
groundwater geochemical mathematical model
ground water geochemi* software

Step 2. Define your search strategy. (This will partly depend on the search engine you use).

  • Search tools:
    • Boolean Searching: and, or, not (and not, but not)
    • Truncation: as a general rule, an astersist (*) works, but it depends upon the database.
    • Nesting

  • Example of a complex search strategy:
    (water or aqueous or hydro* ) and (chemi* or geochemi*) and (model* or computer program* or simulation or software)

  • Example of problems using truncation: rock* (returns rock and rocks, but also rockets, rockers, etc.)

Step 3. Choose your database

  • GeoRef
    • Available via the Web EBSCOhost:
    • Indexes geological information published from 1700's to present; includes government documents
    • Searching:
      • Boolean: and, or, not
      • Truncation: *
      • Nesting
      • Fields: "in ti de ab"
  • Current Contents (CC Search)
    • Available via WebSPIRS and WinSPIRS
    • No limit on number of users
    • Indexes thousands of journals in all disciplines
    • Updated every few weeks
    • 1996 through present
    • Searching: same as above

  • Ingenta Uncover
    • Available from http://www.ingenta.com/
    • Indexes thousands of journals in all disciplines
    • Updating is sometimes slow
    • 1988 through present
    • Searching:
      • Boolean: and, or, and not
      • Truncation (right hand only): *
      • Nesting
    • Disadvantage: Sometimes not consistently up-to-date.

  • U.S. Government Documents
    • Available via WebPALS (go to the library homepage and click the WebPALS button)
    • No limit on number of users
    • Indexes material distributed to Depository Libraries
    • Search the same way as all PALS databases
    • Boolean "and" is assumed between terms
    • Truncation: #
    • Note: The microfiche Government Documents were in the basement of the library. Some were lost in the flood; others are ok, but unavailable this semester. The paper Government Documents are still on the second floor and available for check-out. Also, be aware that not all of our Government Documents are cataloged. Ask the Physical Sciences Librarian or the Documents Librarian how to determine if NDSU has a particular document.

  • FirstSearch databases:
    • Available via the Library home page or: http://www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu/FirstSearch/
    • Databases include: Environment, AppSciTechAb, and Geobase.
    • Truncation: + (plural and singular only)
    • Disadvantage: Only two "or"s allowed in a search; make sure the correct fields are selected for your complete search (watch the defaults!).
    • Sample search: (water or groundwater) and (chemistry or geochemistry) and model+

  • Many other databases are available. Take a look at: Electronic Databases

Step 4. Conduct your search

Step 5. Evaluate search results, note additional terms and unwanted terms.

Step 6. Refine search and re-do.

Step 7. Find out whether NDSU has the material; if not, use Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

  • To find out whether NDSU has a particular book, use the online catalog.
  • For journals: If the artical was published after June, 2000, use the catalog to find the call number. I find that the old Classic PALS works better for checking on journals. You can use the ISSN number from SPIRS output ("IS"). It the article was published before June, 2000, check the online journals page. (See also: Geology Issues on Reserve for Geology 491 Seminar) If it isn't available on the Web, you will need to use Interlibrary Loan (ILL).
  • For ILL, fill out a card at the ILL desk, or fill out the online form at: http://www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu/ill/. You might also consider a trip to UND to use their materials. If you plan to go to the Geology Branch Library, call before going; they are not open as many hours as the main library at UND.

Other:

Please come see me if you need any help. If you'd like to make an appointment, contact me by phone (231-1050) or e-mail (ljoseph@badlands.nodak.edu). If I'm not available, check at the library reference desk (231-8886) for someone else who will be able to help.


Physical Sciences Librarian
NDSU


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