In their research and managerial work wildlife scientists and managers need to consult scientific literature on an ongoing basis. This often involves Searching the Scientific Literature to find desired information. This multipart guide provides advice for effectively and efficiently searching the scientific literature in general and, more specifically, in searching literature related to wildlife. Both print and Internet resources are referenced throughout this guide.

To conduct an effective scientific literature search one should first have a basic understanding of the various formats in which the results of wildlife research, and scientific research in general, are published. Literature of Wildlife discusses the major types of literature represented in the discipline, literature available in the HSU Library, and techniques for find each type in the HSU Library.

As the initial step in a scientific literature search, a "search strategy" should be developed which clarifies the information desired and logically organizes the search. Searching the Scientific Literature discusses the two basic approaches to searching the scientific literature--subject searching and citation searching. For subject searching the Search Strategy Worksheet presents a four-step outline for developing a search strategy and tips for entering your search strategy in indexes and catalogs.

Research Tools for Searching the Wildlife Literature lists print and Internet tools--reference materials, catalogs, and indexes--which can be used to identify desired literature once an appropriate search strategy has been developed. Some of the tools listed are only available to HSU affiliated users. Other users should inquire about local availability of these resources.