Library Resources and Research Strategies

Referee Papers and Research

Referee paper: Published in a reputable, peer-reviewed journal; material is accurate and vetted.
Required for midterm presentations (at least one).

The main library website is library.yale.edu.
Access electronic resources on campus through network, off-campus requires special steps.
Off-Campus Access Options:
- Start searches from the library website (e.g., main search box or 'databases' link) for automatic authentication.
- Connect to a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before starting research to make it look like you're on campus.
- Use a browser extension for off-campus access.
- Caution: If not connected to VPN before accessing a resource off-campus, cookies may cause persistent paywalls.

eJournals: Use this section on the library website to find online access to journals.
- Use exact phrases in searches (e.g., "Nature" not just nature).
- Provides links to platforms where full text is available.
Library Catalog: Search for books and other materials.
- Can request print books for pickup or home delivery (for off-campus addresses).
- Chapter Scan: Request specific chapters to be sent digitally.
- Search records for clickable author names and related topics for serendipitous discovery.
Ask a Librarian / Question Bank: For troubleshooting and general library questions.
Course-Specific Guide: Linked from Canvas, tailored resources for the class.

Popular Science Resources (e.g., Scientific American, New Scientist, AAS NOVA):
- Useful for accessible introductions to complex topics and understanding peer-reviewed literature from the same authors.
- May have issues with full images/figures due to licensing.
- AAS NOVA provides general digests of current articles.
Aggregators: Platforms that bundle content from various sources (e.g., news, magazines).
- Examples: PressReader (for magazines like New Scientist), NexSys Uni.
- Bundling allows libraries to offer more content cost-effectively.
Abstract Databases (e.g., ProQuest Natural Science Collection):
- Focus on providing enough information to search digitally across various resource types (print, online, government reports).
- May include full text in some subject areas.
- Significantly larger budget and access compared to public libraries.

Citation Managers (e.g., Zotero):
- Recommended for managing references and inserting citations into papers.
- Workshops available (e.g., First Steps of Zotero).
AI Tools (e.g., Clarity):
- Yale's proprietary version of ChatGPT, designed to prevent prompts from being used for training data.
- Be aware of potential AI bias in search results (e.g., associating topics with more famous individuals due to training data).
Research Approach: There's no single "right" way; personalize your approach based on preferences.