Finding Electronic Reference Sources
The links below provide access to a variety of different electronic reference sources, from Knovel (handbooks, equations, and other major reference works) to Credo Reference (online definitions and short explanations) to Very Short Introduction (tiny 100 page summaries of a variety of topics). Start by thinking about the information that is most helpful to your project and then head to the specific database listed below that seems like a good fit.
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Knovel Library
Knovel Library is a cross-searchable collection of electronic books in technology, engineering, applied technology, science, chemistry and physics, welding, and much more. This database allows you to search by material properties, and contains graphs, tables, and equations. Create an optional free account to save and organize your resources online and in the app.
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Credo Reference
Credo Reference provides access to a broad selection of dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias, quotations, and atlases, plus a wide range of subject-specific titles. Includes a built-in mind map to help students brainstorm search terms. Credo is a great place to start your research.
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Very Short IntroductionsThis online collection contains short informative introductions to a diverse range of subject areas. Engineering topics include energy sources, structural engineering, civil engineering, and thermodynamics, among others. Each book in this collection can be accessed by five users at a time. If the title you need is in use try again in a few minutes.
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Gale eBooks
Gale eBooks is a collection of online reference books on a variety of topics including business, history, literature, health & medicine, social science, technology, and more. The inclusion of key word definitions within its concise encyclopedia entries makes this database the perfect starting point for professional and personal research.
Physical Reference
To find print and electronic reference books, the best starting point is the library catalog. Search by topic (such as statics) or by type of information (such as environmental engineering and handbook) to see what you can find.
Here are a sample of our print engineering reference books:
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Eshbach's Handbook of Engineering Fundamentals
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Call Number: REF TA151 .E8 2009Publication Date: 2009 -
Civil Engineer's Handbook of Professional Practice
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Call Number: General ; TA151 .H295 2024Publication Date: 2024 -
The Wiley Engineer's Desk Reference
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Call Number: General ; TA151 .H424 1998Publication Date: 1998 -
Mechanical Design Engineering Handbook
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Call Number: General ; TA174 .C455 2019Publication Date: 2018
Finding Electronic Reference Sources
Sample electronic book title list:
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Handbook of Environmental Engineering
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Call Number: OnlineISBN: 9781119304432Publication Date: 2018 -
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Electrical Safety Code Manual: a Plan Language Guide to National Electrical Code, OSHA and Nfpa 70e
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Call Number: OnlinePublication Date: 2010
Finding Trade Publications/Popular Engineering Reading
Looking for popular or professional engineering information that may not be scholarly? Check out the following resources:
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Academic Search Ultimate This link opens in a new windowSearch Academic Search Ultimate for popular and trade publications by choosing the right tab under "sources" to see what articles you can access.
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Business Source Complete
Business Source Complete includes full-text, non-journal content such as financial data, monographs, major reference works, conference proceedings, case studies, company profiles, SWOT analyses, as well as industry, market, investment, and county reports. It covers all disciplines in business, including marketing, management, MIS, POM, accounting, finance, and economics.
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MIT Technology ReviewFounded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1899, MIT Technology Review is a world-renowned, independent media company whose insight, analysis, reviews, interviews and live events explain the newest technologies and their commercial, social and political impacts.
Cite Your Work: APA Style
Of course, as you get ideas and data from your sources, you want to be able to cite them. Keep in mind that you want to cite not only quotations, but also ideas that you get from your research.
Not sure if you are paraphrasing, plagiarizing, or patchwriting? Check out Academic Integrity by Ulrike Kestler, which has a section on all three.
Need some help putting together citations? Check out the helpful links below:
Want software to create citations for you?
George Mason University created a free browser extension/external database named Zotero. Zotero is a wonderful resource, especially for storing and tracking citations over time. Have questions about what it is or how to use it? Contact me.
