This week’s resource is our very own Louisiana Coastal Ecology Collection from the LOUISiana Digital Library.

The collection includes maps, geographic surveys, aerial photographs, climate data, and other research materials related to the Louisiana coast. The collection is primarily based upon the research materials of LSU geologist and geographer Richard J. Russell.

Dictionary of Animal Behaviour
David McFarland, ed
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006
Ref QL750.3 .M34 2006

From Oxford University Press:

“This dictionary covers every aspect of animal behaviour and includes terms from the related fields of ecology, physiology and psychology. Clear, concise entries are backed up by specific examples where appropriate, covering all aspects of behaviour from aggression to courtship.

Jargon free and informative, this dictionary is an essential source of reference for students of biology, psychology, and zoology, as well as fascinating reading for all those interested in animal behaviour.”

Encyclopedia of Soil Science
(2 volumes)
Rattan Lal, ed.
New York : Taylor & Francis, 2006.
Ref S592 .E517 2006

From Dekker:

“An invaluable reference for anyone seeking information on all aspects of soil science, this resource contains new sections on ISRIC-World Soil Information, root growth and agricultural management, nitrate leaching management, podzols, paramos soils, water repellant soils, rare earth elements, and much more…presents hundreds of entries on tillage, irrigation, erosion control, minerals, ground water, and soil degradation…outlines the agricultural, environmental, industrial, and cultural components that affect soil productivity…offers quick access to peer-reviewed articles on all branches of soil science- from mineralogy and physics to soil management, restoration, and global warming…and assesses the physical and hydrological properties of soil in natural and agricultural ecosystems.”

Analytical Techniques for Atmospheric Measurement
Dwayne E. Heard, ed.
Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2006
QC876 .A53 2006

From Blackwell Publishing:

“Almost all of the breakthroughs in understanding the atmosphere have been initiated by field observations, using a range of instrumental techniques. Developing or deploying instruments to make further observations demands a thorough understanding of the chemical and spectroscopic principles on which such measurements depend.

Written as an authoritative guide to the techniques of instrumental measurement for the atmospheric scientist, research student or undergraduate, Analytical Techniques for Atmospheric Measurement focuses on the instruments used to make real time measurements of atmospheric gas and aerosol composition. Topics covered include how they work, their strengths and weaknesses for a particular task, the platforms on which they have been deployed and how they are calibrated. It explains the fundamental principles upon which the instrumental techniques are based (ie what property of a molecule can be exploited to enable its detection), what limits instrumental sensitivity and accuracy, and the information that can be gained from their use.”

We have trial access to Scopus scientific database through the end of September. Please give it a try and let me know if you think it is something the library should look into purchasing. Scopus is similar to Web of Science in coverage, and also contains a citation tracker.