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Environmental Studies: Subject Guide: Start Here

Find information and resources for Environmental Studies research.

Finding Books

Keyword & Subject Searching

Worldcat@SU is the library's online catalog. Search it to find out what books, e-books, scores, videos, DVD's, CD's and more are available in our library's collection. You can start with a Keyword search on your topic.

It is especially helpful to know subject headings used for your topic so that you can do a Subject search. Always ask a librarian for help if you are not finding what you need. It may simply be a matter of figuring out the right terminology.

Here are a few examples of subject headings (used in Worldcat@SU and many other databases as well):

  • Ecology

  • Environmental Degredation

  • Environmental Ethics

  • Environmental Policy

  • Global Environmental Change

  • Pollutants

Google Scholar

Google Scholar is an easy way to search for scholarly literature available online. Librarians encourage you to wear your 'Critical Thinking Hat' when using Google and Google Scholar. 

Why? Because Google and Bing only index around 4% of the information on the web! Information isn't free, and 96% of the Internet is behind some sort of pay wall. 

If you hit a pay wall in your online research, asking you to buy access to articles, don't do this. The Library can get you the articles at no cost, either through our database subscriptions or via Get It! (interlibrary loan).

Gaps in content exist. The library may have access to certain volumes or articles that Google Scholar does not.

It is best to go directly to the library databases when you want to find something scholarly. Or ask a librarian for help.

Library info and research help

Research and Instruction Department

Smith Library has 24-hour student building access (with ID card) for most of the week during the normal fall and spring semesters.

Always check the library website for the most current operational hours.

From off-campus, simply provide your SUeID & password to authenticate yourself and gain access to the library's databases. 

TIP: Make sure you're logging into the Southwestern login screen, NOT the database's login screen.

Never pay for articles! The library can get that information for you at no cost from another source. Ask a librarian about Get It!

Image of citation style manuals

 

Need help writing or citing your paper?

  • Printed style manuals are located on the shelves of SLC in the Research Commons and in the Main Collection.