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[previous article] [next article]Charlotte A. Erdmann
Purdue University's Libraries offer a myriad number of ways to find information. The novice user may be confused and overwhelmed. Where should you start?
The Siegesmund Engineering Library is the library of choice for most engineering students. The library is located in the A. A. Potter Engineering Center. The Information Desk staff can direct users to reference sources such as handbooks as well as printed and computerized indexes to journal articles and conference papers.
ENGINEERING INFORMATION SYSTEM
If you are looking for background information, you might want to start with the Engineering Information System's BOOKS file.
The file can be searched by keywords from each book's title, author(s), and tables of contents. Handbooks and encyclopedias from the reference collection may also be helpful. The Engineering Information System is available from the Engineering Computer Network by typing "eis" or "/usr/unsup/eis".
The system offers easy ways to save records to a file in your account. A revision of the user's guide is in progress.
PURDUE'S THOR (THe ONline Resource)
You can use the Purdue Libraries' THOR system for the holdings of all campus libraries. The catalog of books and journals is called PCAT. There are also some indexes to journal articles and conference papers available.
Indexes available are:
ENGR COMPENDEX (Engineering Index) 1990-1992 EN87 COMPENDEX (Engineering Index) 1987-1989 BIAG Biological & Agricultural Index BUSI Business Periodicals Index HUMA Humanities Index SOCI Social Sciences Index
These indexes are licensed for use by Purdue faculty, staff, and students only. Login by Purdue ID number is necessary.
The most important index for students in engineering is ENGR. The database is called COMPENDEX and its printed title is Engineering Index. It contains references to journal articles, conference papers, occasional technical reports, and books. A summary of most references is included.
The file has been recently split into ENGR (1990-1992) and EN87 (1987-1989). Users can expect earlier years to be added in the near future.
When using the ENGR and EN87 databases, you can view available assistance by typing "explain options". The following commands are essential: "explain k", "explain review", "explain edit", and "explain fields". If you are unfamiliar with other commands, please read the explain options for a list of all available explain pages.
INSTRUCTIONS AND SPECIAL COMPUTER PROGRAMS
It is very important that your terminal type be identified correctly. To access THOR from the ECN, type: "tn3270 lib.cc".
Detailed instructions are available to log in and script a THOR session. Please ask for a copy of the instructions at the Engineering Library or read " help ecnnews" and select "thor" on the ECN.
A program is available to clean control characters from the script file. To process a file, type:
scrclean < script_file > output_file
If a script file was done with an adm5 and the user is presently running a vt100, the command is:
scrclean adm5 < script_file > output_file
A sed file is available to strip unnecessary text from scripted output file. The file, stripthor is prepared especially for the ENGR session. The command is:
sed -f /usr/unsup/stripthor scripted_output_file \
> final_output_file
FIRST STOP FOR NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS
Each engineering discipline has its specialized indexes and databases. Bibliographies are available to introduce students to abstracts, indexes, and current awareness services which are used to locate relevant journal articles, conference proceedings, and technical reports. Listed sources are available in a variety of Purdue University libraries.
The following bibliographies are currently available:
Some sources are available on CD-ROM for a limited number of years. Others are available for computer searching by a librarian for a fee. Commercial vendors are used which charge by the hour and number of citations. A typical computer search costs $50-250 for a thesis topic.
Due to the complexity of many research topics, students are encouraged to ask for assistance at the Engineering Library's Information Desk.
ALERT SERVICES
A monthly database update may be set up by a librarian using a commercial vendor. A fee is charged for this service. The results may be received in paper or e-mail. The cost is varies from $5-20 per month.
CD-ROM DATABASES
The number of indexes available on CD-ROM is increasing. Purdue University Libraries produces a CD-ROM - Diskette Directory each semester. Students who wish to see the list may contact the Information Desk.
The Engineering Library has a number of indexes and directories available. Students must come to the library to use these one- stop computer stations. The software is different for each source.
Searching by users is available only when the Information Desk is staffed. These hours are usually Monday through Thursday, 8AM- 10PM; Friday, 8AM-5PM; weekend hours vary. The sources below are available in the Engineering Library.
APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INDEX
Indexes over 300 English-language periodicals in a wide variety of industrial and mechanical arts. It is the most basic index in the Engineering Library. The CD-ROM corresponds to the printed publication Applied Science and Technology Index. Coverage: 1983 to date, updated monthly.
CASSIS (PATENTS) Contains a three-part index to U.S. patents. The major portions are:
Other specialized files are available. Coverage: 1790 to date, updated frequently.
DOD STANDARDIZATION
Contains an index to active unclassified U.S. military standardization documents including military and federal specifications and standards. Produced by Information Handling Services. Coverage: Current (1992).
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM
Provides access to the DOD repository for Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) information and the Ships Hazardous Materials List. Overall the CD-ROM provides basic information to comply with the more stringent regulatory controls established for hazardous materials. Users should be prepared to be challenged by the software. Coverage: Current information.
INSPEC ONDISC
Provides abstracts and source information from Electrical and Electronics Abstracts, Computer and Control Abstracts, and Physics Abstracts. The database is produced by the Institution of Electrical Engineers in the United Kingdom. Coverage: 1989 to date, updated quarterly.
WATER RESOURCES ABSTRACTS
Provides access to journal articles, books, reports, and other formats. The database is useful for environment and hydrology students. It corresponds to the printed index, Selected Water Resource Abstracts and is produced by the U.S. Geological Survey. Coverage: 1967 to date, updated quarterly.
TOXIC RELEASE INVENTORY
Contains a pilot CD-ROM version of the EPA`s 1987-89 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) and Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets describing the health and ecological effects of the TRI chemicals. Coverage: 1987-89 Toxic Release Inventory with current Fact Sheets.
TRADEMARKS
Consists of three files:
These databases are provided as part of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Library Depository Program. Coverage: Varies with file, updated quarterly.
VENDOR MASTER DIRECTORY
Provides information on 18,000 vendors including vendor names and name changes, products manufactured, addresses, telephone /fax/telex/TWX/cable numbers, CAGE and SIC codes, and vendor sales office/distributor locations. Produced by Information Handling Services. Coverage: Current (1992)
WORLDWIDE STANDARDS DIRECTORY
Indexes U.S. industry standards, non-U.S. national standards, international standards, and regional standards. Produced by Information Handling Service. Coverage: Current (1992)
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