Forensic & Investigative Science
Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this subject, for the sake of consistency, the sources for this guide have been taken from Cynthia Holt's Guide to Information Sources in the Forensic Sciences.
The aim of this guide is threefold:
- To outline the traditional research pathway beginning with dictionaries, encyclopedias, yearbooks, handbooks, etc.
- To develop a familiarity and vocabulary of definitions, concepts and reference sources.
- To serve as a resource for reference desk staff in leading users to appropriate library services, resources, and collections.
A final note, library guides provide a passive approach to reference services for undergraduate research inquiries. Consult the reference desk staff as appropriate.
Need help finding journal articles? View Locating Journals at IUPUI.
Exploring forensic & investigative sciences research and need assistance? Contact Eric Snajdr, Forensic and Investigative Sciences Liaison.
GUIDES TO THE LITERATURE
These specialized guides and bibliographies aid students and reference staff in identifying specific sources as well as navigating the literature. Some examples are:
| TITLE | CALL NUMBER |
| Guide to Information Sources in the Forensic Sciences | Ref HV8073 .H65 2006 (2nd floor) |
DICTIONARIES
Use specialized dictionaries to identify terms, clarify jargon and otherwise become familiar with the language of science. Some examples are listed below:
| Forensic Science : an Illustrated Dictionary | Ref HV8073 .B677 2004 (2nd floor) |
| The Facts on File dictionary of forensic science | Ref HV8073 .B426 2004 (2nd floor) |
ENCYCLOPEDIAS
Specialized subject encyclopedias provide an overview of a topic, familiarize the user with issues names and dates associated with it, and identify additional materials published on the topic, such as, journal articles. Some examples are listed below:
| Encyclopedia of forensic science | Ref HV8073 .B425 2004 (2nd floor) |
| Encyclopedia of forensic science : a compendium of detective fact and fiction | Ref HV8073 .C595 2002 (2nd floor) |
| Encyclopedia of forensic sciences | Ref HV8073 .E517 2000 (2nd floor) |
HANDBOOKS OR MANUALS
Use this material to locate information on one or more topics conveniently arranged. Handbooks are comprehensive in scope, condensed in treatment, and provide charts, tables, graphs and glossaries. Most handbooks are compiled by subject experts and may be intended for the amateur or professional. Some examples are listed below:
| Forensic science : an introduction to scientific and investigative techniques | HV8073 .F5835 2005 (3rd floor) |
| Handbook of computer crime investigation : forensic tools and technology | HV8079 .C65 H36 2002 (3rd floor) |
| Forensic science handbook | HV8073 .F585 2002 v.1 (3rd floor) |
| Forensic science : the basics | HV8073 .S444 2007 (3rd floor) |
| Handbook of forensic services | Electronic resource |
HISTORIES
Histories for most research inquires can be obtained in the aforementioned reference books. However, histories on a give subject discuss the main facts and individuals in its development, and contain bibliographic references. Some examples are:
| Catching the killers : the definitive history of criminal detection | HV8073 .M778 2001 (3rd floor) |
| Oxford companion to the history of modern science | Ref Q125 .O86 2003 (2nd floor) |
| Asimov's chronology of science and discovery | Q125 .A765 1989 (4th floor) |
| Dictionary of the history of science | Q125 .B98 (4th floor) |
BIOGRAPHIES
This reference source is used to locate brief information on an individual scientist. Biographies generally include vital statistics and significant contributions. For lengthier biographies, such as books or biographical encyclopedias, consult the online card catalog. Some examples are:
| Dictionary of Scientific Biography | Ref Q141 .D5 (2nd floor) |
| American Men & Women of Science | Q141 .A472 2005 (4th floor) |
| African American Firsts in Science & Technology | Ref Q141 .W43 1999 (2nd floor) |
| Biographical Dictionary of Scientists | Ref Q141 .B528 2000 (2nd floor) |
| Distinguished African American Scientists of the 20th Century | Ref Q141 .D535 1996 (2nd floor) & Electronic |
| Who's Who in Science and Engineering | Q141 .W576 2005/2006 (4th floor) |
ATLASES
This reference is designed to present illustrations, photographs, and plates on one subject. One example is:
| Asphyxia and drowning : an atlas | RA1071 .D55 2000 (4th floor) |
| Atlas of human hair : microscopic characteristics | R.L. Med. Library |
| Color atlas of forensic pathology | R.L. Med. Library |
MISCELLANEA
These references contain a collection of miscellaneous facts on various subjects. Some examples are:
| Science and Technology Desk Reference | Ref Q173 .S397 1996 (2nd floor) |
| New York Times second book of science questions and answers: 225 new, intriguing, and just plain bizarre inquiries into everyday scientific mysteries. | Electronic resource |
| Scientific American Science Desk Reference | Ref Q173 .S427 1999 (2nd floor) and Electronic |
REVIEW JOURNALS
These specialized journals provide access current news, developments and trends in the field. Some examples are:
| Science & Justice | HV6001 .F67 (3rd floor) |
| The Internet Journal of Forensic Science | Electronic resource |
| Journal of Forensic Sciences | R. L. Med. Library |
INDEXES AND ABSTRACTS
These references are considered secondary sources. Their aim is to provide access to the primary literature – journal publications. They include journal citation information as well as abstracts. Some examples are:
| Forensic Science Abstracts | Ref RA1001 .F653 (2nd floor) |
| Applied Science and Technology Full Text | Online |
| ProQuest Criminal Justice Periodical Index | Online |
| Biological Abstracts | QH301 .B37 (4th floor) |
| General Science Index | Q1 .A3 G4 (4th floor) |
CITATION INDEX
Use this unique index to identify scholarly journal articles referenced by other researchers.
| Science Citation Index | Online |
