A Search Engine That Specializes in Science

A few weeks ago (7/13) the “LTL” Blog presented information on BioMedSearch.com, a free biomedical search site. Another free search engine that Rice Library users may be interested in trying is Scirus, which is devoted to scientific information, including health, life, physical, and social sciences. According to information on the site, “Scirus is the most comprehensive scientific research tool on the web. With over 410 million scientific items indexed at last count, it allows researchers to search for not only journal content but also scientists’ homepages, courseware, pre-print server material, patents and institutional repository and website information.”

The site allows users to set a limited number of search preferences and features both a basic and advanced search interface.

As with BioMedSearch.com, Scirus does not automatically link to Rice Library’s ILLiad (interlibrary loan) service. Therefore, users will need to check the library’s catalog and Journal Finder to determine availability of items retrieved via Scirus. If needed items are not available in Rice Library’s collections, users may request them by copying and pasting the bibliographical information into the appropriate ILLiad forms in order to submit an interlibrary loan request.

For help with this or other library resources and services, contact the Rice Library Reference Desk: (812) 464-1907, (800)246-6173, libref@usi.edu, or in person on the 1st floor.

How Do I...?

Have you ever found yourself in Rice Library or on the library's web page wondering "How do I...?" or "Where are...?" one thing or another?   A newly-revised link on our web site may be just what you need.  From the menu across the top of the Rice Library web page, select "How Do I...?" This takes you to a page with the most frequently-asked "How Do I...?" and "Where are...?" questions.  Click on any of the five main headings to populate a dropdown list of questions below. 

Once you find your particular question, click on it to be taken to the page with your answer.  Here you will find answers to a variety of common questions, including:

• how to check out a book
• where to find images
• how to renew your materials and manage your Rice Library account
• how to access databases from off-campus
• where other computer labs are around campus
• plus much more. 

We encourage all Rice Library patrons to view this site as it may just have the answer(s) to your question(s).  Of course, the Reference Team is always more than willing to help you as well - in person, via email, or over the telephone...

• Reference Desk hours:
• M-Th.: 9am-9pm;
• Fri.: 9am-5pm
• Sat.:11am-4pm
• Sun.: 1pm-8pm.
• Reference Desk telephone: (812) 464-1907
• Reference Desk email: libref@usi.edu - or click here to access our online Request Reference Assistance form (also available on the Rice Library home page). 

We want to leave "no question" as to our desire to help with all of your inquiries. / bnr

Rice Library -- Come Early, Stay Late

With the beginning of the Fall 2010 Semester, Rice Library has changed its hours to accommodate the early birds. The library now opens Monday-Friday at 7:00 a.m. It continues to be open until midnight Sunday-Thursday to accommodate the night owls, as well. A complete listing of the library’s hours for all of its public service units can be found on its web page under the "Quick Links" left hand sidebar menu. Or you may click here.