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SUBJECT GUIDES:

Ecology

RESOURCES ON ECOLOGY

SEARCHING FOR PERIODICAL ARTICLES

The library subscribes to many periodicals in various formats: microforms, print, CD-Rom and online via the Internet. Please check the library's periodical listings (at the reference desk) for date of publication and formats available. The following are periodicals that may be relevant to your research on ecology.

Relevant Periodicals in the Library:
  • Audubon
  • Bioscience
  • Conservationist (with Index)
  • International Wildlife
  • National Wildlife
  • Natural History
  • National Geographic
  • Science
  • Scientific American
  • Sea Frontiers
  • Sea Power
  • Sierra
Other Subject-Related Reference Publications in the Library:
  • CQ Researcher (annual accumulation)
  • Issues and Controversies On File
  • Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature (Index)
Searching for Electronic Articles on Environmental Studies

To search the magazines/newspapers electronic databases listed LBCC Library's homepage (NewsBank, ProQuest, SIRS,), use words appropriate to the field and sub-fields, including :

  • Major sub-fields of environmental studies
  • Names of locations and areas (e.g. California wetlands)
  • Names of experts in the field
  • Names of organizations or institutions involved in the field
  • Check in the Library of Congress Subject Headings set (the five big red books on the counter), in dictionaries, thesauri and subject-related books for the right words to use.
    NOTE: For the specific topic of "wetlands", try these terms when searching:
    • marshes, swamps, bogs, coastlines, wetland ecology, wetland conservation
  • Please refer to the handouts for tips on searching these databases.
SEARCHING FOR BOOKS ON ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
  • LBCC Library catalog is web-based and searchable via the Internet. From the library homepage, click on the button "Library Catalog".
  • The Library Web site's URL is: http://lib.lbcc.cc.ca.us
  • Use "Keyword" search or "Subject " search. At the orientation, the librarian will demonstrate on how to do a complex search for more relevant results.
  • The Library of Congress Classification Numbers (or Call Numbers) are not inclusive of all books on the subject in LBCC Library, as variances in the focus of books result in their being cataloged in different sections of the LC classification system. For example, a search on the topic of "environmental studies" will show books belonging to:
    • GE Environmental Ethics
    • HC Environmental Policy
    • RA Environmental Health
    • TD Environmental Technology
    • Books on Ecology and Conservation are located in the QH541 section
SEARCHING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET

Use a Search Engine such as Altavista (http://altavista.digital.com) when you know the exact
terms or names of what you want to search for. Each search engine has each own syntax; use the appropriate syntax for each one. Go the Help button for more in-depth tutorial.

  • Enter two or more related words, each with a +in front of it (in order for the AND logic to apply, because without the "+", the default is the OR logic. Ex: +wetlands+conservation
  • Search for exact phrases by putting them within double quotations, for example:
  • +"freshwater wetlands" +California
  • You can search for a specific site field, for example: you need information about wetlands on the EPA website, you could use these terms: +wetlands +site:epa.gov
  • Put an asterisk * after the root word to find plurals or other words beginning with the root.
  • Use subject directories such as Yahoo (http://www.yahoo.com) for browsing or when you are not sure of the terms or names. Indexes lead you from the general subject to the specific sub-topic
Most environmental groups and agencies have websites. Sometimes it is best to go directly to their websites for current information.

Great websites relating to Environmental Studies

created by Kim Barclay
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