Navigating University Libraries

The University Libraries website will serve as the main portal for most of your research.  From the main website, you will be able to 

• access Addison (the library catalog) in order to find books on a particular topic
• sign in from off campus to use restricted resources
• locate subject guides for help on researching various topics
• order books and articles through Interlibrary Loan
• find more helpful tutorials for conducting research

Finding Industry & Company Information

At University Libraries, we subscribe to over 700 databases.  Subject guides (like the Engineering Education Subject Guide) can provide some guidance in helping you select databases that will be appropriate and efficient for  your different research projects.  

For your Engineering Expo assignment, use the databases listed below to find objective information on companies and industries:

• Mergent Online | Mergent Online Tutorial:  Basic Search
• Business Source Complete (Select "company report" from "document type" drop down box)
• LexisNexis Academic (Use "Get Company Info" box) | Lexis Nexis Tutorial:  Find a Company Profile
• Factiva (Select "companies/markets" from the tabs across the top of the page)

If you're looking for more information, check out our Business, Company, and Industry Information Guide

In addition to seaching for statistics, financials, and other information about a particular company, try looking for information about these companies in the popular media:

• LexisNexis Academic (Use the "Search the News" box)
• Regional Business News
• Newspaper Source Plus

Engineering Databases

By visiting the Engineering Education Subject Guide, you'll get an idea of some of the subject-specific databases.  Click the titles below for a brief description of each database:

• IEEE Xplor | IEEE Tutorials
• Engineering Village | Engineering Village Tutorials
• Additionally, you may want to review the Guides for finding engineering related information, created by Engineering Librarian Larry Thompson.

Evaluating Information

Regardless of the type of information that you are using, you always need to consider the authority, coverage, objectivity, accuracy, and currency of the information.  University Libraries offers several guides on evaluating information:

• Evaluating Information, in general
• Information Skills Modules:  Evaluating Information
• Evaluating Internet information

Citation & Style Guides

• Manuals available through University Libraries
• APA guides available through University Libraries
• OWL at Purdue APA Guide

Questions?  

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with your subject librarian if you have any other questions or concerns. Information for all College Librarians can be found here. Additionally, the 4th floor reference desk (Science & Technology Reference Desk) is staffed during normal library hours, if you have a question that needs immediate assistance.  You can drop in, or use our Ask a Librarian system for virtual service.  We look forward to seeing you in the library!  

Tags

• Engineering