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However, new online database and text-searching resources
are making trips to the library less necessary. Remember that none
of these resources will make conventional brick and mortar libraries obsolete,
but now you can do at least some of your research from home. Here are some
helpful databases and full-text resources. None of these resources offer
comprehensive literature searches. Use them in conjunction with each other and
be sure to follow up with a trip to the library.
HighWire Press
Provides access to over 200,000 free full-text articles from some of the most
respected journals in biomedicine and science.
National Academy Press
"The National Academy Press (NAP) was created by the National
Academies to publish the reports issued by the National
Academy of Sciences, the National Academy
of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine,
and the National Research Council, all
operating under a charter granted by the Congress of the United States. NAP
publishes over 200 books a year on a wide range of topics in science,
engineering, and health, capturing the most authoritative views on important
issues in science and health policy"
NASA Astrophysics Data System
NASA funds the Astrophysics Data System, which provides free full-text
articles from most of the major journals in astronomy and astrophysics. Project
Gutenberg Electronic Public Library
Project Gutenberg produces electronic versions of texts in the public domain
(mainly classic books). By the end of 2001, the project is scheduled to offer
10,000 full-text books.
Questia.com
Questia.com
offers access to the full-text of over 35,000 articles and books. The academic
resources are limited, but are expanding quickly. The search engine leaves a lot
to be desired, but if you know what you're looking for (e.g., author, title),
it's helpful. You can search without a subscription, which can help you to
determine whether to subscribe. There are several subscription options ranging
from 7 days (for $9.95) to a full year (for $149.95). Elibrary.com
Elibrary.com enables users to search over 150 full-text newspapers,
international newswires, 2,000 classic books, maps, photographs, and scholarly
journals. I've found that the resources are limited; however, Elibrary has just signed a deal to provide
full-text access to books from several university presses. That will be very
useful. The annual subscription price is $59.95. MERLOT:
Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching
MERLOT is a
free resource designed for faculty and students in higher education. It provides
access to a growing collection of online
learning materials, assignments and reviews to enhance instruction and enrich
teaching and learning experiences. You'll
find lots of interesting material and links to educational websites that ay
assist you in your research. However, be careful and critical of these resources
because they are not peer-reviewed.
The Online Books Page
Over 16,000 books from the University of Pennsylvania library.
Bartleby.com
Provides free access to online books.
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