ChE 326: Home
Librarian
Welcome ChE 326 Students!
I've created this guide to give you a quick place to access the resources I discussed in class. This is just a selection of resources from the UofS Library, please search the Library Catalogue, the A-Z List of electronic resources, the other Engineering Subject Guides, or the Chemistry Subject Guide for more.
Remember, I am available to help you if you cannot find what you're looking for!
Introduction to Information sources
1. Primary sources of information are original materials that often convey new ideas, discoveries, or information. These sources originate from the time period under study. For example:
- original research studies - often in the form of journal articles in peer-reviewed publications, but also patents and patent applications, technical reports, etc.
2. Secondary sources of information are based on primary sources. They are generally written at a later date and provide some discussion, analysis, or interpretation of the original primary source. Examples of secondary sources include:
- review articles or analyses of research studies about the same topic (also often in peer-reviewed publications)
3. Tertiary sources of information are based on a collection of primary and secondary sources. Examples of tertiary sources include:
- textbooks (sometimes considered as secondary sources)
- dictionaries and encyclopedias
- manuals, guidebooks, directories, almanacs
TIP: What is considered primary, secondary, or tertiary information may vary according to your field of study.
1. Be persistent! Search several different resources. Each resource will have different coverage - so if you don't find anything useful in the first resource you try, then try another!
2. Be creative! If the initial terms that you search by don't produce results, think creatively and try alternate search terms. ** This is especially true when searching for chemical substances. Substances often have numerous synonymous names and different ways of writing their formulae. Try to find the CAS Registry Number for the substance of interest - this is the widely considered the most accurate method of searching for information on a known substance. Searching by molecular structure is another accurate search method (if the database allows this means of searching).
3. Ask for help! Contact your Engineering Librarian or see other sources of help on the Ask Us page.