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English 277 Technical Writing for Engineering: Introduction

Guide to the research process for the class.

Purpose and Introduction

This guide is intended to introduce searching strategies that go beyond the quick searching or Google searches familiar to most people.  The primary goals are to introduce resources specific to engineering research and provide strategies for searching that facilitate retrieval of the most relevant sources.

To access library databases and other resources from off-campus, you will be prompted to enter a user name and password.  Use the same credentials you use to access MyState, not the username and password you use for D2L or WebAdvisor.

Contents of the Guide

Library Website Basics
Words - strategies for choosing the best words for your searches
Basics for using Databases

Introducing the Library Website

Several important places on the top of the Briggs Library home page are highlighted in red above:

  • Find a Journal - this link helps you find journals the library owns, electronically or in paper. Search by the title of the journal.
  • Databases A-Z - use this link if you know the name of the database you want to use.
  • Library Account - Login to your account to enhance your options in the searching system.  You can also view what you have checked out, renew items, and more.
  • Research Guides - this link takes you to Research Guides for a wide variety of subjects. You'll want to familiarize yourself with the appropriate engineering ones.

Scroll down the page and you will see the following additional links:

Briggs Library Home Page Part 2

  • Government Documents - links to a guide with details about accessing federal and South Dakota documents, a valuable resource!
  • How to & Tutorials - provides some basic tutorials and tips for using the library's resources and services.
  • Ask@Briggs - Use this link for our email and chat to ask questions. 

Librarian

Profile Photo
Elizabeth Fox
She/her/hers
Contact:
Briggs Library 019
605-688-5569
LibGuides Footer; South Dakota State University; Brookings, SD 57007; 1-800-952-3541