PHY 100: Introduction to Physics and Astronomy Course Guide

Introduction

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.
• Largest library in the state--check the floor plan to find specific library locations.
• Most library assignments involve many steps--selecting a topic, searching databases, finding articles, printing or photocopying, reading, and writing. Don't wait until everybody else is trying to do the same thing.
• No library session before the assignment? 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.

Pick the Right Tool for the Job

• Journal articles and "preprints" 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 Complete or other general databases.
  • For specialized databases relevant to your major, check the library astronomy and physics portals.
• 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.
• Use URSUS to find reserve readings, either by course name or instructor.
• Use subject guides to find additional materials.
• Explore physics and astronomy organizations for a look at life beyond the classroom--careers, news, etc.
  • American Institute of Physics (AIP)
  • American Physical Society (APS)
  • physicsworld.com from the Institute of Physics (IOP)
  • American Astronomical Society (AAS)

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 asymmetry".
• Try alternative spelling: "anti matter" as well as antimatter.
• Truncate (use a wildcard) to get variations on a word: asymmetr* to find asymmetrical, asymmetries, asymmetry, ... Don't drop too many letters when you truncate.
• Combine terms

• Try combining AND, OR, and truncation: (CP or antimatter) and (violat* or asymmetr*)
• 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 add up.

• No charge for scanning and/or saving files.
• Your MaineCard permits $16 worth of "free" printing ($0.04/side, $0.07/double-sided page) each semester.
• Pay for excess printouts using Black Bear Bucks ("campus funds").
• Free printing funds don't carry over between semesters, but Black Bear Bucks do.
• Photocopies cost $0.08/side (Black Bear Bucks).

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.

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Created by: Nancy Curtis | Revised: 01/11/2013