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New Databases

ENGnetBASE  Chapman & Hall/CRC handbooks in engineering disciplines. Electronic versions of over 130 books in areas including aerospace, civil, HVAC, electrical, materials, optics, industrial/manufacturing, biomedical, and computer engineering. All books can be searched for specific terms, or handbooks can be read individually using the Adobe Acrobat® Reader

Digital National Security Archive  The Digital National Security Archive contains fifteen collections of declassified primary documents central to U.S. foreign and military policy since 1945, that led to key policy decisions in the post-World War II era. The documents have been obtained through extensive use of the US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The collections are fully indexed and cross-referenced with complete chronologies of events, comprehensive glossaries and detailed biographies of the actors in these events.

Internet Sites of interest

Soft Walls: Preventing the Use of Commercial Aircraft as Weapons

In the hopes of preventing another terrorist attack like the ones of September 11, researchers at the University of California at Berkeley are developing an intelligent autopilot system for commercial aircraft. The system, dubbed Soft Walls, would activate whenever an aircraft approaches a designated no-fly zone. Using global positioning system technology, the autopilot would guide the plane around or away from restricted airspace. A few technical papers describing the Soft Walls concept and proposed implementation are available on its home page. For a more general overview of the project, several presentations and links to media coverage of Soft Walls are also provided. [Internet Scout Report 8/29/03]

NASA Thesaurus
The NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program plays a key role in keeping
NASA a leader in aeronautical and space sciences. The STI maintains NASA's database of
aeronautical and space science information while also reporting on the Agency's research and
development. This impressive thesaurus contains a hierarchical listing of all authorized terms
contained in NASA's STI database, along with definitions. Although the large size of this PDF file
might make navigation difficult, the document is an extremely valuable reference tool for librarians
and students of aeronautics and space science. [Internet Scout Report 8/22/03]

Elsevier Engineering Highlights
Brought online in April 2003, ElsevierEngineering is "a new engineering information website made up of 7 gateways covering different engineering subject areas." Specialized sections devoted to civil, electrical, mechanical, and other engineering disciplines are available. The site serves as an excellent starting point for subject-specific research, as well as a source for news and conferences. Most of the site's features are available to registered members; although registration is free, it takes a couple minutes to complete.
[Internet Scout Report 8/29/03]

Two on the Electric Power Grid
Internet 1, Blackout 0
Microgrid Energy Management System

While key infrastructures that were not working as a result of the August 14, 2003 blackout were widely publicized, the systems that remained operational received less notice. An interesting article from the Washington Post notes that the Internet was largely unaffected by the power outage. The redundancy of the Net and extensive use of power backups by Internet service providers are the main reasons for this triumph of technology, which would not have been noticed if it were not for the major failure of technology, the blackout. Access to this article requires a free, and anonymous, registration. Another item of interest that has implications for better future control of the power grid is a January 2003 document from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The report outlines new concepts for advanced Energy Management Systems for a condensed area of electrical load. The resulting interaction between these "microgrids" and the interconnecting distribution system is also discussed. [Internet Scout Report 8/29/03]

How Everyday Things Are Made
Manufacturing: How Everyday Things Are Made
"If you've ever wondered how things are made - products like candy, cars, airplanes, or bottles...you've come to the right place." Showcases more than 40 different products and manufacturing processes. Requires Macromedia Flash Player. Features more than four hours of manufacturing videos; a high-speed Internet connection is recommended for optimal viewing. Includes a collection of links to online factory tours at a variety of different companies. Ever wonder how they make hot air balloons? [Source: Stanford University Alliance for Innovative Manufacturing]

Engineering Magic
Description: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers offers a fascinating Web site that examines the engineering principles behind some common magic tricks. There are six educational modules given on the site, consisting of Disappearing Milk, Piercing a Balloon, Floating Dollar, Milk Pitcher, Playing Card, and Egg in a Bottle. Each one shows the "magic" as it is performed and then explains how it actually works. There are instructions and materials available to teach the user how to do each trick. Teachers interested in demonstrating the material in class can find lesson plans and handouts for all of the modules.
[Internet Scout Report, April 12, 2002]

Instruction Services
Distance Learning:  Do you plan on teaching a distance learning class during the Fall semester? To help your students find research-related items more easily, contact your subject librarian to develop a webpage specifically tailored for course needs. It can include links to individual articles for course readings, relevant webpages, instructions for accessing online resources from your home, and more.

For that matter, I am available to conduct library instruction sessions for any of your classes or research groups.  I am mobile, that is, I can come to your classroom or lab.  I can also arrange for these sessions to be held in electronic classrooms in Nedderman Hall, Ransom Hall, or the Central Library.  I would more than happy to help you help your students develop their research skills.  I can generalize the session or customize it to a particular assignment.  If interested for this semester or any future semester, please contact me.

Library Liaison