Representative Reference Sources for Physics
When doing a literature search in physics, start by establishing a basic understanding of the terms and concepts in the field. Reference books such as dictionaries, handbooks, manuals and encyclopedias are great sources for this type of information.
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics R 540 C911 2004
Provides broad coverage of data commonly used in the physical sciences in a concise one-volume format.
Dictionary of Geophysics, Astrophysics, and Astronomy R 520.3 D554 2001
Provides concise definitions of terms used in these field of study.
The Cambridge Atlas of Astronomy R 523 C178 1994
An illustrated collection of 130 articles with text and tables geared towards the general public. Coverage includes the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole.
Cambridge Illustrated Dictionary of Astronomy R 520.3 M685c 2007
It's over 1300 entries are illustrated with color images. Covers theories, objects, and biographical sketches of those related to astronomy.
Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics R 520.3 E564 2001
In its four volumes, articles provide comprehensive coverage of the subject area, ranging from biographical sketches to extensive treatments of highly technical subjects.
Encyclopedia Britannica Online
An online version of the traditional print encyclopedia, it is a great resource for general information in multiple disciplines.
Encyclopedia of Modern Physics R 530.03 E563 1990
Covers all areas of physics, with an emphasis on new developments. Articles are accessible to those with a basic knowledge of chemistry, physics and calculus and each includes a glossary of terms as well as a concise definition and bibliography.
Encyclopedia of Physics R 530.03 E565 1991
Very detailed, yet concise, entries cover all areas of physics using a fairly technical vocabulary.
Physical Sciences & Mathematics Online
This is a collection of seven online reference works, including A Dictionary of Astronomy and A Dictionary of Physics. Part of Oxford Reference Online Premium.
Finding Books and Other Items in the Library
To find books and other resources on physics in or general collection start by going to the ALEX online catalog and searching by subject. You can refine your search results by viewing the Related Subjects and associated subheadings. Searching by keyword broadens your search and retrieves more information.
Browse by call number:
· 520 astronomy & allied sciences
· 530 general works in physics
· 531 classical mechanics
· 537 electricity and electronics
Resources for Finding Articles on Physics
For the latest information from authoritative sources, use scholarly journals. Online library databases like Academic Search Complete or JSTOR are general databases that contain information from multiple disciplines. The following databases are other examples, typically more specific in nature, that contain information geared towards this discipline.
Annual compilation of review articles in the fields of biophysics and biomolecular structure.
Annual compilation of review articles in the field of physical chemistry.
Wiley InterScience (Formerly Blackwell Synergy)
You can browse by subject area, like Physics and Astronomy or use the advanced search option to find articles covering a specific subject area.
OMNIFILE/MEGA
Choose either the Applied Science and Technology or the General Science subject area, for citations, abstracts, and full text articles focusing on physics.
SPIN Web
The SPIN database (Searchable Physics Information Notices) provides current indexing and abstracting of more than 100 journals. Access to this database is provided through Scitation.
PROLA (American Physical Society)
“The American Physical Society's online archive for Physical Review Letters, Reviews of Modern Physics, and Physical Review A–E. It contains all APS journal articles published from 1893–2004.”
Journal Finder
If you are having trouble finding the full text of a journal, Journal Finder can help point you towards the right database.
Web Resources for Physics
There is a great variety of web sites that might be useful. The following are a few suggestions. For additional web resources in this area, check out the library's delicious list of websites.
Bridgewater College’s Physics Department
This is the home page for the Physics Department at Bridgewater College.
arXiv.org e-Print Archive
Open access to ejournals for Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Quantitative Biology, and Statistics
Directory of Open Access Journals
Open access journals are e-journals that offer free full-text access. This site indexes open access journals that are refereed or peer-reviewed.
E-Journals.org
This site indexes e-journals from a variety of different disciplines. International journals are not always in English. Full-text is usually only available through a subscription to the journal.
PhysNet
Provides information on physics departments around the world, along with links to documents and journals relating to the field.
Selected Astronomy Web Sites
This is Dr. Richard Bowman's list of useful, authoritative web sites in Astronomy.
Selected Physics Web Sites
This is Dr. Bowman's recommended web sites in Physics.
Spires
Provides the ability to search through the HEP database: 500,000 articles relating to high energy physics indexed by Stanford Linear Accelerator Center.
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