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CHM 203 : Instrumental Chemistry

Resources for Professor Marguerite White-Jeanneau's class
EBSCO Science Articles Search

Best bet search for CHM203: [name of instrument] and instrument*

Example: x-ray diffraction and instrument*

 

Science database

Keyword searching

Searching is most successful when a topic is broken down into keywords joined by 'and.'

If your topic is "Using colorimetry to detect nitrates in water samples," then the important keywords will be:

Keywords:                                          

colorimetry                                                 

nitrates                                                 

water                                            

Combine keywords to search:  colorimetry and nitrates and water

Add, subtract or substitute keywords to narrow or widen your search. Think of synonyms for your keywords (if they exist).

Keywords:                                          Synonyms:

colorimetry                                                  -

nitrates                                                        -

water                                                     H20

Add, subtract, or substitute keywords to search:

  • colorimetry and nitrates and H20

 

Tip: If you are having trouble finding results that are specifically about the instrumentation, try adding 'and instrument' or 'and instrumentation.' For example, "x-ray diffraction and instrument."

Google Scholar

Google Scholar allows you to search for scholarly articles using the familiar Google search box, and the techniques you are used to using in a Google search. Google Scholar is a resource worth trying if you find the information you need using the library databases. Unfortunately, some of the scholarly articles you will find using Google Scholar are not available in full-text or are not free.  

Hit a paywall? One disadvantage to Google Scholar is that not everything is freely available. You may be asked to pay money in order to view the article. Before you pay any money:

  1. Ask a librarian for help. 
  2. Fill out an interlibrary loan request and we will try to get the article from another library.
  3. Use Full-Text Finder to search for the title of the journal, magazine, or newspaper that published the article to find out if NECC databases provide the full-text.
  4. Check the holdings of Boston Public Library. Anyone who lives, works, or attends college in Massachusetts can get an electronic library card and access to all the BPL's electronic holdings.

To cite this LibGuide use the following templates:

APA: Northern Essex Community College Library. (Date updated). Title of page. Title of LibGuide. URL

MLA: Northern Essex Community College Library. "Title of Page." Title of LibGuide, Date updated, URL.