If you are interested in browsing the shelves of the library for books, keep in mind the Library of Congress classification system:
Section of Library | Topic |
QB | Astronomy |
QC | Physics |
QC 251-338.5 | Heat |
QC 350-467 | Optics. Light |
QC 450-467 | Spectroscopy |
QC 501-766 | Electricity and magnetism |
QC 770-798 | Nuclear and particle physics. Atomic energy. Radioactivity |
QC 801-809 | Geophysics. Cosmic physics |
QC 811-849 | Geomagnetism |
QC 851-999 |
Meteorology. Climatology including the Earth's atmosphere |
Reference books such as encyclopedias are a great place to do some preliminary research. You can get a good overview about your topic, perhaps narrow down your topic if it was too broad before, and most importantly, identify search terms to use when you begin your search for books and/or articles.
Here are some PRINT reference works. For items in the Libraries Annex, request Book Delivery by signing into your library account. Reference items can circulate for 2-4 days with special permission. Please inquire at the circulation desk, or e-mail me at laura.palumbo@rutgers.edu.