Literature searching (physics)

From WolfWikis

Databases used for physics literature searching include the following list. See the complete list of available physics databases.

But how do you pick one to use? Below is a quick discussion.

Don't hesitate to Ask A Librarian for assistance with any of this.

If you have citations for specific papers already

Probably more direct to skip using a literature database if you already have the citation.

1. Try the Libraries' Journals list first to see if we have a subscription to the title you want. Search by journal title (not article title). Abbreviated titles are OK if you change the search to "anywhere in title."
2. If we don't have the journal, or don't have the volume you need, try the Catalog. (Most journals, even print-only, should be searchable in step 1, but occasionally one gets missed. It's worth this extra catalog check.) Search by journal title (not article title).
3. Still no luck? We probably don't have a subscription. Request your article through Tripsaver (interlibrary loan).

Searching for papers by topic

For most searching, try the order listed.

1. Web of Science. More general science and physics indexing, but covers most major journals. Best overall interface.
2. Inspec. Best physics-specific database for many searches.
3. SPIRES. For articles on high energy physics.
4. TechXtra - cross-searchable database of literature, websites, news, and other math and science information.
5. Check the mathematics subject page for more options.

Most databases do NOT contain articles, just abstracts. However, you can often connect to an online version of the article if the Libraries subscribes to that journal electronically. Look for the symbol in the abstract and click on it to see if we subscribe to that particular journal and if we have it in print, online, or both.

Pre-prints

Pre-prints are usually documents that are in the publication process. Since publication in academic journals can take several months, numerous pre-print servers exist as a way for researchers and scientists to share their work while it is undergoing the peer review process. So, pre-prints have the advantage of being more timely.

1. arXiv. Pre-prints in physics and related fields.