This undergraduate level research guide includes research methods plus lists to commonly used databases and reference materials. It also includes information to help students locate books and journals. Site-licensed software, useful web sites, and links to key lab safety resources are also included. The goal of this guide is to provide foundational support to the broad array of chemical engineering course assignments and to help foster information literacy skills.

[Second Edition, 2011] This document identifies the skills and knowledge that chemistry undergraduates should have by the completion of a bachelors degree in chemistry and lists specific resources we recommend. The document is divided into 4 sections: 1) Big Picture: the Library and Scientific and Chemical Literature; 2) Properties, Spectra, Safety Information; 3) Chemical Literature; and 4) Scientific Communication.

Introductory lecture on how to search for information: formulate a question (incl. Boolean Operators), choose & evaluate information sources (should I use Wikipedia?), when did I find enough and how do I store the information?

SciFinder file descriptions; CA indexing philosophy; tutorials; comparison with other databases; Explore references, substances, reactions; additional information, search tips.

Guided exercise used by students working in pairs typically in a computer equipped classroom. Each student completes an exercise which is reviewed by an instructor. Students retain exercises. During the hour session students are expected to complete the first two pages. Many solve the organic "chemystery" of journal citations on the third page by using a library catalog, CASSI Search Tool, or a Web search engine, for example Google.