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Chemistry Research Guide

General chemistry resources
EBSCO Science Articles Search

Need more sources? Expand your search by trying another database from this list: additional science databases

What is a library database?

Keyword searching

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

If your topic is “Biofuels emit less carbon than fossil fuels yet production of biofuels may actually increase carbon output, ” then the important keywords will be:

Keywords:                                          

biofuel                                                  

carbon                                                  

fossil fuels                                            

Combine keywords to search:  biofuel and carbon and fossil fuels

 

Add, subtract or substitute keywords to narrow or widen your search. Think of synonyms for your keywords.

Keywords:                                          Synonyms:

biofuel                                                  biodiesel, biomass

carbon                                                  carbon dioxide, CO2

fossil fuels                                            petroleum, gasoline, crude oil

Add, subtract, or substitute keywords to search:

  • biodiesel and carbon and fossil fuels
  • biofuel and carbon dioxide and fossil fuels
  • biofuel and carbon dioxide and gasoline
  • etc.

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.