October 14, 2008

New online computer books added

New titles have been added to the Safari Online Books platform. There are a limited number of seats so if you get turned away, please try back later.

  • Cloud Computing: Web-Based Applications That Change the Way You Work and Collaborate Online
  • Effective Java, 2nd ed.
  • Java: How to Program, 7th ed.
  • Microsoft Windows Vista Unleashed
  • Moodle Teaching Techniques: Creative Ways to Use Moodle for Constructing Online Learning Solutions
  • More Effective C++: 35 Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs
  • Oracle PL/SQL by Example
  • Perl by Example, 4th ed.
  • PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide
  • Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 24 Hours, 4th ed.
  • Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations

MDL Mentor is now DiscoveryGate

The Kresge Library is pleased to announce the campus-wide availability of the Symyx databases (formerly MDL) on DiscoveryGate. These databases were previously available only for the PC using the ISIS/Base client software. The web-based platform of DiscoveryGate now allows access for both Mac and PC users.

The Symyx suite of databases includes:
• Available Chemicals Directory (ACD)
• Screening Compounds Directory (MDL-SCD)
• ChemInform Reaction Library
• Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry (CMC)
• Drug Data Report (MDDR)
• Metabolite database
• Toxicity database
• National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• Organic Syntheses (ORGSYN)
• Derwent Journal of Synthetic Methods
• Solid Phase Organic Reactions (SPORE)

Prior to using DiscoveryGate, you must configure the browser settings on your Mac or PC. Details are provided on the "Getting Started with DiscoveryGate" guides on the Kresge Library website. All users will also need to disable pop-up blockers for discoverygate.com and/or add discoverygate.com as a trusted site. The database subscription is authenticated by IP address so you must connect via the Scripps Research network on campus or using VPN.

First-time PC users need to download an installer to access the databases. From the DiscoveryGate website, select "Download Software" to download and install the file.

Please let Kresge Library staff know in the coming months if the Symyx databases are important for your research, as the subscription is expensive and up for renewal in July 2009. If you have further questions about the Symyx databases on DiscoveryGate or would like to see a demonstration of how these chemistry databases compare to SciFinder Scholar or Beilstein, please contact Aileen Chang, x4-8705 or helplib@scripps.edu.

September 29, 2008

CRC Handbook of Chemistry & Physics Now Online

The CRC Handbook of Chemistry & Physics is now available to TSRI online. It provides broad coverage to all types of physical and chemical data. Get chemical properties, constants and solubilities from your desktop. Use the table of contents or search by substance, formula, CAS registry number or a range of other choices. New tables include: Properties of Ionic Liquids, Solubilities of Hydrocarbons in Sea Water, Solubility of Organic Compounds in Superheated Water, and Nutritive Value of Foods.

September 5, 2008

Reactivating ChemDraw

Now that the CambridgeSoft site license for ChemOffice Ultra (PC) and ChemBioDraw (Mac) has been finalized, please activate your software to continue using it.

Please note, it is NOT necessary to download new software; as long as you are using at least versions 10 and 11 of ChemDraw, you can simply activate your current software.

Mac users are advised to reactivate their current software rather then install the newest version. The newest version for Mac introduces a bug when printing shadowed boxes (drawing elements).

Serial numbers and registration codes should have been emailed to active users. Additional instructions for reactivating your software can be found on the ITS website

Questions? Please contact Aileen Chang of the Kresge Library at helplib@scripps.edu, (858)784-8705.

August 27, 2008

Get Connected

Do you want to discuss, collaborate or network with other scientists in your field of research? There are a number of websites available aimed specifically to create scientific communities.

• The ACS Member Network is a networking site for ACS members and student affiliates. It aims to “facilitate scientific collaboration among chemical science professionals around the world”.
The Graduate Junction brings together Masters, Doctoral and Postdoctoral researchers to provide a way of discussing research interests and exchange of useful knowledge. It is created by graduate students and is open to any field of research.
MySDScience.com is a local scientific community forum for San Diego. They provide tools to make connections with local scientists, list local events and jobs and are involved in raising science education awareness.
OpenWetWare, created by graduate students at MIT, is a place for labs and individuals to “organize their own information and collaborate with others easily and efficiently”. It seeks to “promote the sharing of information, know-how, and wisdom among researchers and groups who are working in biology & biological engineering”. Of particular interest is the Protocols page,where researchers share techniques. Labs from Caltech, Harvard and UCSD, among others, are currently listed on the site.

August 12, 2008

ScienceDirect Access Problems

There have been a number of access issues with journals on ScienceDirect. Some people are getting this error message:
"Sorry, your request can't be processed due to a system problem. Contact the Help Desk if the problem persists. [SD-008]'"

The publisher is aware of the problem and is trying to fix it as soon as possible.

For any other access issues, please contact the Library Help Desk and we will contact the publisher.

August 11, 2008

PsycARTICLES added, PsycINFO moved

PsycARTICLES, a collection of about 60 peer-reviewed journals has been added to the Library's collection. Titles include:
Behavioral Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Journal of Experimental Psychology, and Neuropsychology

The PsycINFO database, which offers coverage of psychological and neuroscience literature, has changed platforms. It has moved to the American Psychological Association's PsycNET platform. We hope you find this new platform more user-friendly. Some features are a term finder using the APA Thesaurus , author, journal, citation and cited reference searching, and the ability to save searches and set up alerts using the My PsycNET personal manager.