Academic Writing

Year
The books are listed by the most recent first; always try to use the most up-to-date sources.
Location
Many large universities have more than one library. This tells you which one the book is
kept in.
Holdings
If you click on availability, it will tell you how many copies the library holds and if they are
available to borrow or out on loan.
5 Using library websites to search electronic resources
Journals are specialised academic publications produced on a regular basis, containing recent
research. You need to be familiar with the main journals in your subject area. They are usually
available in paper or electronic formats (e-journals).
E-journals and other electronic resources such as subject databases are becoming increasingly
important. Their advantage is that they can be accessed by computer, saving the need to visit
the library to find a book. Most library websites have a separate portal or gateway for searching
electronic resources.
These are the results found in one database for journal articles on ‘skyscrapers’:
1
Skyscrapers
Cesar Pelli
Perspecta, Vol. 18, (1982), pp. 134–151
2
Skyscrapers
Robert Phillips
The Hudson Review, Vol. 60, No. 2 (Summer, 2007), p. 276
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Part 1:
The Writing Process
Full
details
Title
Year
Location
Holdings
8
Eco skyscrapers/Ken Yeang. 3rd ed.
2007
Science library
Availability
9
Cost optimization of structures: fuzzy logic,
genetic algorithms, and parallel computing/
Hojjat Adeli, Kamal C. Sarma
2006
Science library
Availability
10
Skyscrapers: a social history of the very tall
building in America/by George H. Douglas
2004
Main library
Availability

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3
Three New Skyscrapers

MoMA, No. 25 (Winter, 1983), p. 4
4
Stars for Skyscrapers
Lee Richard Hayman
The Phylon Quarterly, Vol. 19, No. 3 (3rd Qtr., 1958), p. 276
5
Dawn Rises over Skyscrapers
Deane Fisher
Phylon (1960–),Vol. 28, No. 2 (2nd Qtr., 1967), p. 138
6
Mario Palanti and the Palacio Salvo: The Art of Constructing Skyscrapers
Virginia Bonicatto, Chris Miller
Getty Research Journal, No. 5 (2013), pp. 183–188
Note that many of these articles will be out of date or irrelevant, but these search engines
allow you to access a great variety of material quickly. It is usually sufficient to read the abstract
to find out if the article will be relevant to your work. Note that most journal websites contain
a search engine to allow you to search all back issues by subject. They may also offer links to
articles in other journals on the same topic.
The best way to become familiar with these methods is to practise. Library websites usually
contain tutorials for new students, and librarians are always willing to give help and advice
when needed.
䊏
Select a specific topic from your subject area.
(a) Use the library catalogue to search for relevant books. Write down the most useful
titles.
(b) Look for a few relevant journal articles, using the library portal. Write a reference
for each article.
1.2: Reading: Finding Suitable Sources
15

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