Searching - general
There is a recall and precision trade off
explicit logic for database/catalogue searches although all vary on format such as missing data, capitalisation - check on hints
include negatives in a search when appropriate e.g. achievement & underachievement
isolate concepts e.g. gender, science education, achievement. several databases/catalogues then identify each search by a letter or number and allow you to combine them in that way by an intersection of refs common to all individual searches.
better to search indices independently
choose advanced, complex option rather than simple
In Endnote (IOE version) there is an IOE thesis reference style as one of the options - however it is possible to download into PC version of Endnote. nb Currently IOE trying to get Endnote to include it at source.
Can link own version of Endnote to IOE , go to weblink at IOE to synch ( interpret synch loosely)
There is an index for IOE theses.
Search tools with Thesaurus functionality eg ERIC thesaurus tend to be information rich
tip - prepare a practice search so that you are more patient about keeping up to date with the technology
For inter library loans you need to go though the library catalogue link
Need to search up to 8 databases, that way you get the 'long tail' which is really important as there tend to be key articles in the odd journal.
Quality bibliography
INTERNATIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES - through journal link on the Library web page - best way to search is a Boolean phrase.
Make sure to distinguish between a casual and an intended search.
Some databases expect you to add selected items to a folder before exporting, printing etc.
If Endnote on PC then to C drive automatically. Portal allows upload from pen drive or PC files
start using alerts slowly
ISI WEB OF KNOWLEDGE- very selective
WEB of SCIENCE - covers the most important journals from Art & Humanities, Social Science, and Science.
Look for citations but need to finish the search.
ZETOC produced by the British Library and encompasses much of the content of many of the other indexes and databases BUT it is a very crude search engine however might be good for alerts because it does cover many sources.
GOOGLE SCHOLAR
http://scholar.google.com - Needs upper case for Boolean operators
Library-general
Self service borrowing
transcribe equipment and other multi media equipment for loan
Other library sources
Other UK libraries, you need a SCONUL access card
m25 consortium is a good example
