Library Skills

The last century has seen a period of rapid growth in the biological/chemical industry and in governmental laboratories in research, in research and development funding by both the chemical industry and the federal government, and in the numbers of biologists/chemists and chemical engineers. The result has been a correspondingly rapid growth of literature in a multitude of chemical disciplines and subdisciplines.

Today the biological/chemical literature consists of books, encyclopedias, treatises, data compilations, handbooks, patents, journals, abstract journals, trade literature, government publications, market research reports, and a variety of computer-based information services.

The understanding and practical experience of using a college library is probably essential for all students in all subjects at the high school level. Because of the cost, high school libraries may not have the necessary resources.

There is certain basic knowledge a student needs when getting experience in a college library. The following is proposed. Keep in mind that each college library is constantly updating its services and you will have to check with the science library at your local college or university.