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Chemistry Guide

Shippensburg University Library resources for chemists.

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Keyword Tips

  1. Use Simple Terms
    ​Use short, simple words or phrases. Don't type in your entire topic as one sentence.

    EXAMPLE: If you're writing about "the effect of temperature of microorganism growth" search only the key words/phrases: temperature and microorganism and growth.
     
  2. Use Search Symbols (Boolean)

    or = expand your search by including different forms of a word.
    EXAMPLES: Woman or female or girl. Cats or felines.

    " " = search for a specific phrase.
    EXAMPLE: "g coupled protein receptor"

    * = add 1-5 characters to the end of a word.
    EXAMPLES: Bear* finds bear and bears. Inter* finds internal and internet.
     
  3. Start Broad
    ​If you get too many results, you can always narrow your search terms later.

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Chemistry - Specialized Resources

Books

Search the Ship Library Catalog for books and videos:

Shippensburg eBook Collections

Requesting Books and Other Items

When we don't have the item you need, it is usually easiest to place an ILL request directly from a search result in a database. WorldCat searches across library collections worldwide and links to ILLiad for items not owned by Lehman Library.

  1. Search WorldCat Quick Start to locate an item you want
    • Remember to check the type of item. For example, if you want books:
      • The left column offers a limit by format function, just click "Books"
    • Click the title of the item you want
      • If the pages says "This item isn't held in your library"
    • Click "Request this item via Interlibrary Loan."
      *Remember* if there are only a few copies of a book listed in WorldCat, we will probably be unable to borrow that book for you.
  2. For books, videos and other items not available using the services listed above, please request directly through ILLiad.
  3. WorldCat should match up with the Library Catalog. If you are interested, doublecheck the Library Catalog to confirm whether or not Ship Library owns a physical copy of an item.

ILLiad sequentially asks up to 15 libraries that own the item to loan it to us for you.  Each library has four days to respond before the request is transferred to the next library. 

Featured Books

Encyclopedia of Chemistry Research

This book presents current research in the field of chemistry. It discusses topics that include crystal chemistry of an atropisomer; construction and structure of metal-organic frameworks with specific ion-exchange property; chemical sensors and biosensors; non-specific chemical gas sensor arrays for environmental monitoring of odour emissions; green analytical chemistry; microwave assisted-separations; metal-catalysed electrophilic processes in ionic liquids; and, development of green chemistry processes for metallocomplex catalysis and the environmental impact of a lignite-fired power plant operation.

The Disappearing Spoon

Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?* The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. *Though solid at room temperature, gallium is a moldable metal that melts at 84 degrees Fahrenheit. A classic science prank is to mold gallium spoons, serve them with tea, and watch guests recoil as their utensils disappear.

General Chemistry

General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications is recognized for its superior problems, lucid writing, precision of argument, and precise and detailed treatment of chemistry. Its innovative pedagogical features, which encourage students to understand, apply, and synthesize content, reinforce the principles of general chemistry and provide the ideal platform for later studies.   The new tenth addition boasts a number of improvements, including expanded coverage of organic chemistry, as well as a consistent 3-part structure (Analyze - Solve - Assess) for every worked example. 

Chemistry Connections

One of the greatest challenges facing chemists and chemical educators today is conveying the central importance and relevance of chemistry to students and society at large. The new edition of Chemistry Connections highlights the fundamental role of chemical principles in governing our everyday experiences and observations. Introductory chemistry students and educators as well as laypersons with an inquisitiveness about the world around them will find the book an informative introduction to the context of chemistry in their lives. The book is written in a lively question-and-answer format with presentations in both lay and technical terms.

Other Resources

Find Background Information

Often, a deeper understandig of a topic can measurably improve an assignment. Take some time to gather some background information and work your new knowledge into your assignment.

Web Resources

Citing

ACS Style (American Chemical Society)

CSE Style (Council of Scientific Editors)

Quick Guides
Detailed Help
Manual

APA Style (American Psychological Association)

Quick Guides
Detailed Help
Manual / APA Website
Tutorials, Sample Papers

Scientific Writing

Outline of the structure of a scientific paper
Chart of tips for selecting a title
Image of tips for writing an abstract
Image of tips for writing an introduction
Image of tips for writing a methods section
Image of tips for writing a results section
Image of tips for writing a discussion section