Gettysburg College
Physics Department

  
STUDENT HANDBOOK
   The Physics Library    

"These are not books, lumps of lifeless paper,
but minds alive on the shelves." -Gilbert Highet

"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by frost." -J.R.R. Tolkien
Click here to see maps and directions to the library
The Physics Department Library is housed in Gettysburg College's Musselman Library.  Containing more than 4000 volumes, most of which have been acquired during the past 10 years, more is added to the collection each year and recommendations for additions are appreciated.  The Library provides comprehensive coverage of most active areas of physics and astronomy, as well as dependable coverage of mathematics, technology, engineering, and the history and philosophy of science.

The Physics Department works to provide a collection of useful reference works to support class work and research projects, as well as to provide support for the scholarly interests of our faculty.  Any deficiencies found in the library's holdings should be brought to our attention.  Most journal articles and books not found in the Library can be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan.  To use this service, consult the Musselman Library staff and explore the Library's extensive web pages.

The classification system used is that of the Library of Congress.  While the system is based on subject matter, some amazing classifications occur.  Experienced browsers have learned to zero in on the right subject areas and then go directly to the shelves for a look at what is available. Imagination is sometimes required to locate all relevant classifications, and Musselman librarians are ready, willing and able to help you.

Reference Resources:

All physics books and publications have been computer catalogued by Musselman Library, as have all publications in the College's various collections, and may be accessed from any networked campus computer.

Physics Abstracts contains abstracts of most papers published in physics.  The Subject and Author Indexes, which are published every six months, are invaluable for locating articles on current research. Astronomy and Astrophysics Abstracts is another useful reference work.  For historical references, the library has the ISIS Cumulative Bibliography and The Dictionary of National Biography.

Musselman Library has many general reference works for physics, as well, ranging from The Handbook of Physics by Condon and Odishaw, to the University of Chicago's Manual of Style.  It is definitely worthwhile to browse in the library stacks and become familiar with its holdings.  And never hesitate to ask a librarian for assistance...

If you have a suggestion or critique concerning the Library's physics holdings, please make them known to any member of the Physics Department and/or to the librarians in Musselman.  We very definitely want to maintain the finest facility possible.

"The man who doesn't read books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." -Mark Twain

 

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