EPS 8 Guide to Library Research

• Encyclopedias
• Books and maps
• Journal articles
• Government information
• Need help?

Off-Campus Access: Use the Library Proxy Server

Encyclopedias

Encyclopedia Britannica
An excellent source of general background information for most research topics.

AccessScience
A classic source of background information in all areas of science and technology, based on the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology.

Books and maps

Pathfinder
The online catalog for most of the UC Berkeley libraries. It includes call numbers and locations for books, maps, and other materials. Start with a title keywords search, then use subject headings for additional searching. Sample searches include:
(title keywords) alternative energy
(subject keywords) renewable energy
(subject keywords) wind power or wind energy
(subject keywords) solar energy or photovoltaic cells

When searching for maps, include maps as a subject keyword. Try searching on topics, regions, states, counties, or cities. Sample searches include:
(subject keywords) wind power maps
(subject keywords) pacific northwest maps
(subject keywords) california maps
(subject keywords) contra costa maps
(subject keywords) livermore maps

Journal articles

Academic Search Complete
Multi-disciplinary database that includes journals, monographs, reports, conference proceedings, and more. Full text is available for some journals.
Exact phrase: "wind energy"
All words: refineries AND environment
Any words: water power OR hydropower
Truncation: turbine*
Guides:

• Searching Academic Search Complete (movie: 3mm:24ss)
• Viewing Full Text in Academic Search Complete (movie: 1mm:58ss)

Environmental Sciences & Pollution Management
Covers journal, conferences, and more in all areas of the environmental sciences.
Exact phrase: wind energy
All words: refineries and environment
Any words: water power or hydropower
Truncation: turbine*
Sample search: (alternative or renewable) and energy and environment*

Government information

USA.gov
U.S. Government's Official Web Portal. Government information and data from federal, state, and local agencies.

California Climate Change Portal

California Energy Commission

California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA)

Department of Energy (U.S.)

Energy Information Administration
Energy-related data and statistics.

National Climactic Data Center
Climate-related data and statistics.

Need help?

If you have questions about your library research, please use the Engineering Library's Ask Us service.

You can also visit the Moffitt Library Information Gateway during its reference service hours.
Mon - Thu 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sat - Sun 1 p.m.–5 p.m.