In the "Databases" search box on the library home page use the "Browse by Subject" pull-down menu to access a subject list of databases in your research area OR if you know the name of the database--click on the first letter of that name in the Alphabetic List.
You can also access a page giving you the entire range of electronic resources available via the library's website at:
Go to Engineering Databases for the engineering database list.
Searching in the library's databases can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you create better search strategies.
Boolean logic or boolean searching (named after George Boole) uses logical words/terms (and, or, not) to combine words or terms. You can use Boolean Logic to help you narrow down your search results for ANY searching you do--whether it is using the library's databases or on the web. (For more on using Boolean operators--see the tips below).
Truncation symbols, usually the asterik * symbol, gives you more searching options for word endings.
Wildcard symbols, usually the question mark ? symbol, replaces a letter or letters in the middle of a word.
Phrase searching, to keep words together as a phrase, you usually use the quote marks around the phrase "words together"
Searching by author, sometimes you search by last name, then use ONLY initials; other times you can use lastname, first name.
NOTE: The library does not have every past senior design thesis--it has been required that masters and PhD theses be kept in the archives permanently. If we don't have the senior design thesis you need, please see your department's administrative assistant.
To check if the senior design thesis you need is available:
1) Go to the library's home page.
2) Click on "OSCAR - Library Catalog."
3) Click on "Advanced Search."
4) To see the entire list for a department (example): Type in "Mechanical Engineering" in the box after Find. Or if you know the title or author of the thesis, type those keywords in the search box and use the pull-down menu (change "Any Field" next to the search boxes) to specify a title or author search.
5) In the Optional Search Limits/Sorts box, use the Location limiter and scroll down to select "University Library Senior Theses."
6) Click on the "Submit" button to do your search.
Note: Has the Dean's State of the School of Engineering presentation, and the list of winners of each session. Does not have the full text of each senior design project--for those go to Scholar Commons. Then click on "Student Scholarship."