Skip to Main Content

SCI: Science Through Inquiry

A guide for locating resources relevant to assignments in Science Through Inquiry classes.

Why Use Books?

decorative image of books

Books are excellent sources for: 

  • overview of a topic

  • background information

  • history and chronology

  • In-depth coverage of a topic

The entire book does not need to be read to be used for research. Use the table of contents and index to find the pages most relevant to your research.

Types of Books

Not all books are used for the same purposes. Get the right book for your project.

Book Type
Description
General Collection and Oversized
A print book in the library's collection. Can be checked out for 28 days (plus renewals) using your BU ID card.
eBooks
An electronic book that can be accessed online anywhere you have an Internet connection. Some e-books in the collection allow for multiple users and others only allow one user at a time. 
Reference Books and eBooks
A reference book is a resource to get specific facts of an overview of a subject. Reference resources are used to get the background information you need on a subject. Reference books include encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, handbooks, almanacs, and bibliographies. Print reference books cannot be checked out. eBook reference material can be used anywhere you have an Internet connection.
Reserve Books
Items on reserve in the library are high-use items. They are materials directly related to coursework from faculty members.  
Special Collection
Special Collection books are items that are rare, unique, and/or historical. These items do not circulate but can be viewed in the library.

Library Catalog

Search the library catalog to find books and ebooks in the library's collection. You can also expand your search to include all I-Share Libraries and request books from other colleges and universities.

You may also find the ebooks from the "Very Short Introduction" series helpful for learning about a topic. This series from Oxford University Press "offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects...Each volume provides an authoritative and engaging assessment of a concept, field, or body of work, drawing out the central ideas, themes, and approaches. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, new insights, and enthusiasm to make often challenging topics highly readable to develop your core knowledge...the series is an indispensable and accessible guide that will enrich your understanding." (from the publisher).

General Science Books

Bradley's library uses the Library of Congress classification system.  All books that cover the sciences are in the Qs. Below is a breakdown of where different specialties are located within this classification system: 

Subclass Q Science (General)
Subclass QA Mathematics
Subclass QB Astronomy
Subclass QC Physics
Subclass QD Chemistry
Subclass QE Geology
Subclass QH Natural history - Biology
Subclass QK Botany
Subclass QL Zoology
Subclass QM Human anatomy
Subclass QP Physiology
Subclass QR Microbiology

Further subtopics are outlined in the link below.