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.
ASTM Digital Library includes access to all ASTM standards, nine journals, selected technical reports, proceedings, and bulletins. Users are required to create a free account and log in to view full text.
As a group, evaluate the article, "Noise pollution from wind turbines and its effects on wildlife: A cross-national analysis of current policies and planning regulations" (Teff-Seker et al., 2022).
Using the C.R.A.A.P. evaluation criteria, evaluate the ability of this information resource to answer the research question, "How can the effects of wind turbines on bird migration be mitigated?"
Currency: Is the information up-to-date enough for my topic?
Relevance: Does the information pertain to my topic and cover it in enough depth to meet my needs?
Authority: Who is responsible for the content and what are their qualifications?
Accuracy: Is the information reliable and free from error?
Purpose: Is the information presented without bias or is the bias acceptable for my purpose?
See more on the CRAAP evaluation criteria on the Research 101 guide tab, Information Evaluation.
Although Briggs Library has an extensive collection, you may need items that are not available at the Library. No worries! You can request those articles, books, and other materials through Interlibrary Loan.
Keep in mind that the process may take several days for articles and ebooks and longer for print books. We encourage you to start your research early!
Many of our databases have an Interlibrary Loan Request button for articles not available in that particular database. Before submitting the loan request, be sure to check our Journals List for the title of the source or periodical (i.e. New York Times).
