Geology and Earth Sciences Pathfinder

The purpose of this pathfinder is to introduce some of the resources available in Houston Cole Library on GEOLOGY and EARTH SCIENCES. The various types of library materials useful in research are described, along with some examples of each type. This pathfinder is NOT a comprehensive listing of sources, but is intended to be a starting point from which patrons can begin their research according to their specific needs.

BASIC INTRODUCTION OR OVERVIEW MATERIAL can be found in:
REF QE5.37x 1983 The Barnes & Noble Thesaurus of Geology: the Principles of Geology Explained and Illustrated

SUBJECT HEADINGS can be identified by using the Library of Congress Subject Headings books located at the Information Desk on each floor. Books on GEOLOGY and EARTH SCIENCES can be located in the Library Catalog by entering a subject search. Books can be located in the Library Catalog by clicking on "Author/Title/Subject/Call Number" search type. Then click on the "Subject" radio button. Last, type in your subject and press the enter key.

Suggested subject headings for this topic: Geology, Earth Sciences.

Related headings include:
Mineralogy
Paleontology
Petrology
Stratigraphy
Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Climatology
Hydrology

To browse the book stacks; here are some Library of Congress call numbers on the 9th floor:
QE1-996.5 Geology
QE1-350.62 General, including geographical divisions
QE521-545 Volcanoes and Earthquakes
QE701-760 Paleontology

REFERENCE TOOLS

BIBLIOGRAPHIES -- list of books, periodical articles, and/or other materials by subject or author.
REF QE26.2.W67x 1989 Information Sources in the Earth Sciences

DICTIONARIES AND ENCYCLOPEDIAS -- provide definitions for useful terms, and an overview of topics.
REF QE5.E5137 1996 Macmillan Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences
REF QE5.M365 1984 McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Earth Science
REF QE862.D5C862 1997 Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs
REF QE255.R6 1990 Encyclopedia of Minerals, 2^nd ed.
REF QE703.E52 1999 Encyclopedia of Paleontology
REF QE522.E53 2000 Encyclopedia of Volcanoes
REF QE5.M29 McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of the Geological Sciences

HANDBOOKS AND MANUALS -- cover broad subjects in a brief, concise manner and may include odd bits of information about a variety of topics (They may also be referred to as a compendium).
REF QE366.8.H36 1990 Handbook of Mineralogy
REF QE363.8.B57x 1999 Cambridge Guide to Minerals, Rocks and Fossils

GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS -- are primarily annual reports, studies, and statistics from the various departments and agencies of the government. They are cataloged and shelved like other books and microforms. (There is no separate collection of government publications in this library). The United States Geological Survey is a major source in these subject areas.

JOURNALS -- Searching the Library Catalog by the journal name can identify JOURNALS held by the library. Journal Titles on GEOLOGY and EARTH SCIENCES can be located in the Library Catalog by clicking on "Author/Title/Subject/Call Number" search type. Then click on the "Journal Title" radio button. Last, type in your journal title and press the enter key. Use these Electronic Databases to locate JOURNAL ARTICLES and other papers on GEOLOGY and EARTH SCIENCES: Elsevier Science Direct, General Science Abstracts, and Wiley InterScience Earth Science Journals.

A few Journals which would report on this topic are:
Periodicals Q1.A5 American Journal of Science
Periodicals QE701.J6 Journal of Paleontology
Periodicals QE351.M38 The Mineralogical Record
Periodicals QE1.G2 Geological Society of America Bulletin.

Also, scan for Geology and Earth Sciences related periodicals in the current periodical section on the 9th floor.

WEB SITES

Browse a list of Geology and/or Earth Sciences related Web sites selected by subject librarians at Houston Cole Library.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN services are available to graduate students and faculty. Please ask a librarian about these services.

Subject(s):
Mineralogy
Paleontology
Petrology
Stratigraphy
Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Climatology
Hydrology

04/01: PJBE