Biological Sciences  Tags: biology neurosciences genetics molecular_biology microbiology  

Books are useful for in depth information, historical context, overview, synthesis and analysis. Often a chapter or two are all that is needed. The process of writing, editing and publishing means even the most recently published book may not contain the most current information on a topic.

Using Advanced Keyword Search in MARQCAT:

Identify words or phrases that represent the main ideas in your topic, then:

Try the words as "Any Field" searches for widest retrieval

Try the same words as "Subject" searches, then use the catalog's suggested headings

When you find a good book, check the list of Subjects  in the record of that book for additional ideas

Look for books and other items in libraries near and far. Most items you find may be requested through Interlibrary Loan.

Google Books is a great resource for finding books and gives a preview of what the book is about and often short sections to view.

There is a link to see if your local library library owns the book and you can see if any of the local libraries have the book!

The quality and relevance of information in books needs to be evaluated. What to look for:

Authority of the authors, editors - Determine the expertise of the authors, does it match the subject content of their writing?

Scope of Content - Does the content cover your topic to the degree you need? Is it in-depth or does it simply provide an overview with little facts, details, analysis?

Timeliness - Is the content timely for your topic. This is determined somewhat by the time period of your topic.

For help finding book reviews see this research guide:
Book Reviews

Cell Biology: A Short Course

Genetics

Science, Evolution, and Creationism
National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine
QH366.2 .S35 2008