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Engineering

Related Guides: Chemistry | Computer Science | Math | Physics | STEM Writing

 

Welcome

Hello and welcome to the Engineering Research Guide! This guide is designed to help you begin your research journey by connecting you with key resources available through the University of Miami Libraries and beyond. Use the tabs to explore specific topics, tools, and strategies that will support your academic and professional work in engineering. Throughout the guide, you’ll find sections labeled “Diverse Voices,” which highlight the contributions of individuals from historically underrepresented groups in STEM and provide resources that address the ongoing challenges of diversity and inclusion in the field. 

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Getting Started

Ready to start searching?
uSearch allows you to discover materials from all University of Miami Libraries.

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The uSearch Help Guide will help you with searching.

Not finding what you want in uSearch?
Through an interlibrary loan you can borrow items outside of UM.

Is the library open?
Different library hours are posted on this page.

Off Campus?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will let you connect to resources while away.

Are you an undergraduate?
Undergraduate Essentials includes recommended resources at the library for undergraduates, many of which are online.

Are you a graduate?
Graduate Essentials has recommended resources at the library for graduate students, many of which are online.

Are you faculty?
Faculty Essentials includes recommended resources at the library for faculty, many of which are online.

Library Chat box

Diverse Voices

 

Different Article Types

Peer-reviewed: Procedure where scholarly work is evaluated by experts of the same discipline against a set of criteria to ensure that it meets certain standards necessary for publication.

Preprint: A version of a scientific manuscript posted on a public server prior to peer review. 

Scholarly: Written by academics and other experts and contributes to knowledge in a particular subject by sharing new research findings, theories, analyses, insights, news, or summaries of current knowledge.

Databases

Web of Science
A multi-disciplinary database that provides integrated access to over 8,000 key research journals indexed in: Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Science Citation Index, and Arts and Humanities Citation Index.

SCOPUS
Covering the life, physical, health, and social sciences, Scopus is a large abstract and citation database of research literature and web sources.

Knovel Library
An online reference shelf including handbooks, dictionaries and datasets covering the full range of engineering disciplines; also includes biochemical, biology and chemistry reference resources

Engineering Village
A comprehensive engineering platform that contains journals, conference proceedings, dissertations, trade magazines, technical reports, and engineering information ideal for supporting the varying engineering research initiatives that academic institutions, corporations and government agencies face every day.

IEEE Xplore Digital Library
Full-text access to journals, conference proceedings and active standards published by IEEE and IET.

SciELO
SciELO is a free database containing the full text of selected scientific and social sciences journal articles from Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Spain and Venezuela.

Library Catalog

Resource not in the UM Catalog?

Digital Journal Newsstand

BrowZine
Delivers subscribed academic journals to your desktop or laptop, smartphone or tablet.

Diverse Voices

List of databases to search for articles or authors.

500 Queer Scientists
A visibility campaign for LGBTQ+ people and their allies working in STEM and STEM-supporting jobs — a group that collectively represents a powerful force of scientific progress and discovery. 1,926 stories and counting....

Cite Black Authors
Database that seeks to enhance recognition and citation of black academic voices.

Diverse Sources
Search this database of experts to include more underrepresented voices and perspectives in your science, health and environment work on deadline.

Gage
A resource for journalists, educators, policy makers and others seeking the expertise of women and gender diverse STEMM professionals.

References

Bullock, A., Jennings, C., & Timbrell, N. (2019). Peer review. In A dictionary of publishing. Oxford University Press.

Libraries, U. of T. (2015, November 5). What counts as a scholarly source? https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/faq/what-counts-scholarly-source

Preprints. (n.d.). PLOS. Retrieved August 9, 2022, from https://plos.org/open-science/preprints/

eBooks

Ebook Central (ProQuest)

Provides access to a growing collection of academic titles across many disciplines. Users will be prompted to authenticate both on campus and off campus. Books may be viewed online using the EBook Central reader. Many titles are also available to download for reading offline. Windows and Mac users will use Adobe Digital Editions to view the downloaded titles (freely available at http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/#download). iPad users will use the Bluefire Reader app to view the downloaded titles.

Research Methods (Sage)
Online collection of ebooks focusing on research methods across many disciplines.

Wiley Online Library
Multidisciplinary collection of online resources.

eReferences

Access Science
The McGraw-Hill encyclopedia of science and technology on the web. Encyclopedia entries are supported by updates and news on the topic. Also includes biographies, study guides and suggested essay topics.

Dover
Popular publisher covering a broad range of subjects.

Knovel
Online reference shelf including handbooks, dictionaries, and datasets covering the full range of engineering and science discipline

Oxford Reference
Specialized subject dictionaries are available in a wide range of disciplines.

Synthesis
Synthesis is an information service for the research, development and educational communities in engineering and computer science. The basic component of the library is a 50 to 100 page electronic book that synthesizes a research or development topic, authored by a contributor to the field. Synthesis is organized by series, each managed by a consulting editor. The series editor oversees lecture topic and author selection as well as peer review to assure quality.

Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia
Since 1938, the Van Nostrand’s Scientific Encyclopedia has enjoyed a reputation as one of the most important and comprehensive general scientific references available, suitable for both academic and professional environments.

Library Catalog

Resource not in the UM Catalog?

Diverse Voices

What is a dissertation or thesis?

Dissertation: A lengthy, formal written treatise or thesis, especially an account of scholarly investigation or original research on a specialized topic, submitted to a university in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Ph.D. degree (for most United States universities).​

Thesis: A proposition advanced and defended in a formal disputation, especially by a candidate in partial fulfillment of university requirements for a master's degree (for most United States universities).

Dissertations/Theses

Dissertations & Theses Global (ProQuest)

The world's most comprehensive collection of full-text dissertations and theses. Includes millions of searchable citations to dissertations and theses from 1861 to the present day together with over a million full-text dissertations that are available for download in PDF format. The database offers full text for most of the dissertations added since 1997 and strong retrospective full-text coverage for older graduate works. It also includes PQDT UK & Ireland content.

Dissertations & Theses @ University of Miami
This database gives access to the dissertations and theses produced by students at the University of Miami.

Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
Contains full-text theses and dissertations from colleges and universities around the world. The Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the adoption, creation, use, dissemination and preservation of electronic analogues to the traditional paper-based theses and dissertations.

Center for Research Libraries: Foreign Doctoral Dissertations
An international consortium of university, college, and independent research libraries that supports original research and inspired teaching in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences by preserving and making available primary source materials from all world regions.

PhdData
Holds a database of doctoral dissertations in progress around the world.

Library Catalog

Resource not in the UM Catalog?

References

Reitz, J. (2013, January 10). About ODLIS. In ODLIS About. Retrieved August 19, 2022, from http://products.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_about

Podcasts

  • Unconventional Engineering (ASME)
    Roy and Tom interview guests from across the world of mechanical engineering to interesting and unconventional ways they are using their skills to solve real world problems and advance engineering for the benefit of humanity.

  • Engineering Our Future Podcast
    Learn what the best engineers are working on, creating, and teaching so you can develop the skills needed to maintain your role as a key member of society.

  • The Civil Engineering PodcastFirst podcast dedicated solely to helping civil engineers create extraordinary careers and lives!

Videos

X

  • @IntEngineering
    Interesting Engineering is a cutting edge, leading community designed for all lovers of engineering, technology and science.

  • @IEEESpectrum
    The latest technology news and analysis from the world's leading engineering magazine.

  • @NSPE
    Champion of the PE license - Ethical guide to the profession - Powering professional advancement - Uniting the Professional Engineering community.

Diverse Voices

Diverse Voices

@BlackWomenSTEM
An online community for self-identified Black women in STEM.

@LGBTSTEM
Improving LGBTQ+ visibility in STEM.

@VanguardSTEM
Encouraging conversations between emerging & established women of color in STEM.

Engineering Change Podcast
Engineering Change is the podcast designed to help REDEFINE engineering as we know it by.

Table of Contents

What is a standard?

Standard: Defined as a set of technical definitions, guidelines, and instructions for designers, manufacturers, and users written by experts in a particular field. They promote safety, reliability, productivity, and efficiency in almost every industry that relies on engineering components or equipment.

De Facto Standard: A criterion or consistent manner of doing something, so established in practice that adherence is widespread if not universal, although its status has never been formalized.

De Jure Standard: A criterion or consistent manner of doing something, formally established in a deliberative process involving one or more professional organizations or industry groups, a government body, or a recognized standard-setting organization.

Standards Outline

Find a standard

ASSIST
The official source for specifications and standards used by the Department of Defense.

ASTM Compass
ASTM Compass is a collection of industry-leading standards and technical engineering information.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Incorporated by Reference Portal
Provides a one-stop mechanism for access to standards that have been incorporated by reference in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Mission: "To promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life." Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

IEEE Xplore
A full text collection of IEEE and IEEE-associated journals and conference proceedings.

Ordering

References

Reitz, J. (2013, January 10). About ODLIS. In ODLIS About. Retrieved August 19, 2022, from http://products.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_about

Standards & certification FAQ. (n.d.). Standards & Certification - FAQ. Retrieved August 17, 2022, from https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/publications-information/faq

What is a technical report?

A scientific paper or article describing research or other significant developments in a field of the applied sciences.​

Technical Reports

Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)
Mission: "To aggregate and fuse science and technology data to rapidly, accurately and reliably deliver the knowledge needed to develop the next generation of technologies to support our Warfighters and help assure national security."

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Techincal Report Server
Provides access to aerospace-related scientific and technical information (STI) created or funded by NASA.

National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)
Search, retrieve, download, print, and order EPA technical, scientific, and educational materials

National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)
Search, retrieve, download, print, and order EPA technical, scientific, and educational materials

National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
Mission: "Provide innovative data services to federal agencies, through joint venture partnerships with the private sector, to advance federal data priorities, promote economic growth, and enable operational excellence."

National Technical Reports Library
Mission: "Provide innovative data services to federal agencies, through joint venture partnerships with the private sector, to advance federal data priorities, promote economic growth, and enable operational excellence."

Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI)
Collects, preserves, and disseminates both unclassified and classified scientific and technical information emanating from government-funded research and development activities at the Department of Energy's national laboratories, scientific facilities, universities, and other institutions nationwide. 

Regulations.gov
Mission: Enable public access to regulatroy materials, increase rulemaking participation, and improve agencies' efficiency & effectiveness.

Technical Report Archive & Image Library (TRAIL)
Mission: "To ensure preservation, discoverability, and persistent open access to government technical publications regardless of form or format."​

Library Catalog

Resource not in the UM Catalog?

References

Reitz, J. (2013, January 10). About ODLIS. In ODLIS About. Retrieved August 19, 2022, from http://products.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_about

Definitions

Conference Paper: An original paper at a formal gathering of peers which may be subsequently published in its proceedings.

Conference Proceeding: The published record of a conference, congress, symposium, or other meeting sponsored by a society or association.

Gray/Grey Literature: Documentary material in print and electronic formats, such as reports, preprints, internal documents, memoranda, newsletters, market surveys, theses, dissertations, conference proceedings, technical specifications, standards, or trade literature.

Conference proceedings

IEEE Xplore Digital Library
Full-text access to journals, conference proceedings and active standards published by IEEE and IET

SPIE Digital Library
SPIE Digital Library includes resource on optics and photonics, providing access to more than 260,000 technical papers from SPIE Journals and Conference Proceedings from 1990 to the present. More than 17,000 new research papers are added annually.

AIP conference proceedings
We've recently switched to all-electronic for AIP's conference proceedings so look here for the latest information.

Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) - U.S. Department of Energy
Collects, preserves, and disseminates both unclassified and classified scientific and technical information emanating from government-funded research and development activities at the Department of Energy's national laboratories, scientific facilities, universities, and other institutions nationwide.

Organizations

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
National Society of Professional Engineers

Library Catalog

Resource not in the UM Catalog?

Diverse Voices

Advancing Indigenous People in STEM
National Society of Black Engineers
oSTEM
Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Society of Women Engineers

Conference Proceedings

Reitz, J. (2013, January 10). About ODLIS. In ODLIS About. Retrieved August 19, 2022, from http://products.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_about

What is a patent?

It is a privilege granted to the inventor of a new product or process. Patents exclude others from producing or making use of an invention for a limited period, unless under license from the holder of the patent.

Patents

University of Miami Policies

  • Inventions, Intellectual Property, and Technology Transfer
    The purpose of this policy is to outline rights and responsibilities regarding inventions, intellectual property and technology transfer and to provide guidelines for the protection, management, and commercial application of nnovations.
  • U Innovation Office
    U Innovation oversees all aspects of technology commercialization at the University of Miami. Our team supports, promotes, and facilitates the transfer of university innovations for the benefit of the university community and the public.

Diverse Voices

African American Inventors Patent List

References

Patent. In World Encyclopedia. Philip's. Retrieved 19 Aug. 2022, from https://www-oxfordreference-com.access.library.miami.edu/view/10.1093/acref/9780199546091.001.0001/acref-9780199546091-e-8766.

Manufacturing

Thomas

IQS Directory

FloridaMakes

 

Hardware & Tools

Adafruit
Electronic store offering tools, equipment, and computer components. Adafruit is a 100% woman-owned company.

McMaster-Carr
Hardware, tool, and raw material store.

Newark
Electronic parts and services distributor.