A.B. ‘Banjo’ Paterson Library Pathfinder

Form 1 Science – Scientists


The Research Process

Defining the topic
  • Think of keywords and synonyms
 What do I really want to find out
Locating Information (search strategy)
  • What type of resources to use?
 Where can I find the information I need?
Selecting Resources
  • Collect all relevant information
 What information do I really need to use?
Organising and evaluating resources
  • Outline: draft: edit
 How can I best use this information?
Presenting finished product
  • Mode of presentation
How can I present this information?
Assessing
  • Did I fulfil my purpose?
 What did I learn from this?


Research Sources

Before you start, think of the keywords for your topic.
In this case you would search under the surname of the scientist you are researching
Catalogue
Check the catalogue in the Subject field under the surname of the scientists you are researching. Make a printout of the list of resources under the subject. For example: FARRER, WILLIAM
Reference Books and CD-ROMs
Check general encyclopedias in REF 030.
Britannica is also available on-line terminals.
Check specific science reference books for your scientist.
  • The Australian Encyclopedia (REF 994.03 AUS)
  • 1000 Famous Australians (REF 994.00922 ONE)
  • A Biological Dictionary of Scientists (REF 509.22 BIO)
  • Biographical Dictionary of Scientists (REF 509.22 COL)
  • Biographical Encyclopedia of Scientists (REF 509.22 BIO)
  • Concise Dictionary of Scientists (REF 509.22 MIL)
  • Great Scientific Achievements ( REF 509 GRE)
  • The Great Scientists (REF 509.2 GRE)
  • Larousse Dictionary of Scientists (REF 509.22 LAR)
On-line Periodicals & Indexes
From the SGS Internet Links page you can access a number of on-line databases. http://www.sydgram.nsw.edu.au/College_Street/Library/sgslinks.html
Encyclopedia Britannica - This database includes the full text of the Encyclopedia Britannica as well as Britannica Internet Guide, Encyclopedia Britannica Intermediate and Merriam-Webster Collegiate http://search.eb.com

Username: !@#SydneyGS

Password: _____________
Australia/NZ Reference Centre- indexes 500 periodicals and newspapers - 400 in full text. Can be accessed from home by entering library borrower’s number. http://search.global.epnet.com/
Enter your Library Card number in the Patron ID box (eg. B123456789 - do not include the check letter (which is theletter after the first five numbers)or the space) Keep clicking on Australia/NZ Reference Centre until you reach the search screen. You can search by keyword or by Subject (click on the Subject Search icon at the top of screen)
Suggested Internet Links
The following do not cover all scientists. Choose a search engine and enter the name of your scientist
If you don’t know any search engines see the ones listed on the Sydney Grammar links page http://www.sydgram.nsw.edu.au/College_Street/Library/intsear.htm
Bright Sparcs - A register of over 3,000 people involved in the development of science, technology and medicine in Australia. http://www.asap.unimelb.edu.au/bsparcs/bsparcshome.htm
Eric Weisteins Treasure trove Scientists http://www.treasure-troves.com/bios/
Australian Academy of Science Science education
Interviews with Australian scientists http://www.science.org.au/scientists/
Other sources
Other public libraries, particularly those which specialise in particular subjects City of Sydney Public Library
http://www.cityofsydey.nsw.gov.au/cs_l_catalogue.asp
State Library http://www.slnsw.gov.au/