Chemistry : Get Started

Tackling a new topic?

Try looking for a review article first.  Review articles attempt to summarize the state of research on a scientific topic.  While lengthy and not generally including the very latest research, review articles can be a great way to start to get a handle on a topic.  

Don't overlook the literature cited at the end of the review: the bibliography contains a wealth of information about the key discoveries and main researchers in the field.  

Most databases (including SciFinder-n and Web of Science below) will allow you to limit your search to include only review articles or literature reviews.  

See also: more chemistry resources for use at Northeastern.

Looking for a specific item for which you know the title? Use these quick search tools:

Books

Use the Scholar OneSearch browse search to find books by title (or change drop-down selection to Author and enter last name, first name).

E-journals

Use the E-journal finder (search by title, e-only).

Databases

Use the A-Z database list.

For a comprehensive literature search in chemistry, start by searching SciFinder-n or Web of Science. To do a quick search, you could also search or browse the full text collection of American Chemical Society Journals.

Feeling lost or not finding what you need? You can get speedy assistance by using the following service:

For Research Assistance (Ask-a-Librarian)

• use chat reference to contact a librarian, or
• email a librarian.

For in-depth questions, please send me an email or use the Schedule Appointment feature (in the profile boxes to the left) to set up a remote research consultation.

ACS Green Chemistry Institute's 12 Principles of Green Chemistry

ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication

      available online  

For help with your reference list, see chapter 4.3.

See more information on Citing/Bibliographies