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Vocational Programs Research Guide

 

Types of Resources

Careers Research Guide

Books

Books are written or printed works produced by one or more authors. Individuals or committees with expertise in the field often edit books. Because they provide comprehensive information on their subject at the time of publication, books are very valuable in the research process. For many subject areas this is the best starting point for research. Many books contain valuable bibliographies at the end of each chapter or at the close of the book. This provides an excellent entry point into the subject material as well to the authors publishing in a particular field of study.

Databases

Online information databases are large, regularly updated collections of digitized information -- including but not limited to abstracts and full text articles from journals and newspapers, conference proceedings and submitted papers, dissertations, government reports, essays, book chapters, web pages, etc. The content is created by publishers who release print versions, then lease the rights to their information to database vendors. Database records are easy to search and retrieve because the content of each record has been analyzed and assigned appropriate subject headings, keywords, names, etc. New records are regularly downloaded from the producer of each database.

In order to access these resources off-campus, you must first obtain the passwords.

If you are looking for a specific journal within a database, use the E-Journal Portal. It returns the names of databases which contain the desired journal.

Dictionaries

A dictionary is any single or multi-volume work which briefly explains terms and topics related to a specific subject, usually arranged alphabetically. Dictionary entries are usually shorter than those found in an encyclopedia. Dictionaries assist with the understanding of terminology and concepts, suggest synonyms, related terms, and scientific names, and are useful resources to consult when formulating and refining your research strategy. Often illustrations and references to additional resources are included.

The electronics dictionary for technicians TK 7804. A33
Elsevier's dictionary of electronics English/French REF TK 7804. K54
REF TK 7804. G497 CD Version - (Ask at CIRC Desk) TK 7804. G497
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Mathematics REF QA5.M425
McGraw-Hill electronics dictionary REF TK 7804. M354

Available Online

Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias are among the most widely used reference sources and contain articles of varying lengths covering all fields of knowledge. Typically encyclopedias cover many topics but without going into a great deal of depth on any one thing. Encyclopedias are a good starting point for researching topics that you do not know much about or that are completely new to you. They can give you background information which can help when you move to more in-depth sources later. Specialized encyclopedias may cover just one field or even a sub-unit of that field. Subject encyclopedias can be consulted for detailed or technical information on a subject.

The encyclopedia of electronic circuits (7 vols.) TK 7867 .G66
McGraw-Hill circuit encyclopedia and troubleshooting guide (3 vols.) TK 7867 .L463

Available Online

Government Information

Government information is generated by local, state, national, and international governments on almost all topics. Most government information is undergoing a major shift from traditional formats such as print and microfiche, to a variety of electronic formats available through the Internet. Government information is considered to be a primary, authoritative and reliable resource. To find government information on your topic, search the library catalog, specialized indexes, and government agency web sites.

An excellent resource for all types of government information in virtually any subject area or topic is the GSA Federal Citizen Information Center. Individuals can access information online or by using the Consumer Information Catalog to locate items.

Handbooks, Manuals, and Guides

Handbooks, manuals and guides are resources which supply concise factual and statistical information, often in the form of charts, graphs, tables and formulas. These sources have very basic information, with little or no discussion or analysis of the facts they present. They cover a wide variety of topics, and as with other reference sources, these tools may be general or specific to a field, group of people, or era. These sources are frequently updated, which makes them valuable for locating current information. Try searching the online catalog using the keywords of your topic combined with one of the following keywords: handbook, manual or guide.

Electronics & Electrical

The Electrical engineering handbook TK 145. E354
Handbook of electrical construction tools and materials TK 452. W55
Handbook of electrical design details TK 425 .S35
Motor control electronics handbook TK 7881.2.M68
TAB electronics guide to understanding electricity and electronics TK 7816. S57

Statistics

Statistical sources attempt to answer questions beginning with “How much?” or “How many?” The tool needed to answer such a question is determined by the question's depth and complexity. Typically a straightforward question requires searching for statistics already analayzed and recorded in books, journal articles, and the publications of governments, associations, and organizations.

Online Trade Journals

Web Sites

CAD & Drafting

Electricity & Electronics

Engineering

History of Technology

HVAC

Hydraulics/Pneumatics

Instrumentation

Machining

Metal Forming and Fabrication

Motors and Controls

Programmable Systems

Welding

 
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