Environmental Studies: A Research Guide
Whether we live in the desert, rainforest, prairies, or near the ocean, our environment is consistently at risk due to the actions of man and nature. The resources below will help researcher get started in learning more about the concepts and issues facing our environment today. This guide introduces researchers to some of the basic informational sources on the topic. The terms and phrases listed in the subject headings below can be used to search for more materials in the library’s catalog and research databases. If you need further assistance, please ask a librarian.
Reference Books
The Dictionary of Ecology and Environmental Science by Henry W. Art. New York: Henry Holt, 1993. ISBN: 0805020799.
Over 8,000 entries with definitions including concepts from environmental biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.
Encyclopedia of Environmental Science edited by John F. Mongillo and Linda Zierdt-Warshaw. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 2000. ISBN: 1573561479.
Covers basic terminology and key topics in the field of environmental science.
Environmental Encyclopedia, 3rd ed. edited by Marci Bortman, et al. 2 vols. Detroit: Gale Group, 2003. ISBN: 0787654868.
Consists of nearly 1,300 signed articles and term definitions provides in-depth, worldwide coverage of environmental issues.
Environmental Literacy: Everything You Need to Know About Saving Our Planet by H. Steve Dashefsky. New York: Random House, 1993. ISBN: 0679412808.
Alphabetical listing of key words, expressions, and concepts intended to familiarize the nonspecialist with current issues, concepts, and environmental themes.
The Facts On File Dictionary of Environmental Science by Bruce C. Wyman and L. Harold Stevenson. New York: Facts On File, 2001. ISBN: 0816042330.
Covers environmental issues such as contamination of air and water, natural resources conservation, and workplace health and safety in over 3,000 entries.
The Green Encyclopedia by Irene M. Franck and David M. Brownstone. New York: Prentice Hall General Reference, 1992. ISBN: 0133656853.
Single volume that covers such varied environmental themes from environmental disasters to dangerous pesticides to threatened species. Includes 50 line drawings.
Macmillan Encyclopedia of the Environment edited by Stephen R. Kellert, et al. 6 vols. New York: Macmillan Library Reference, 1997. ISBN: 002897381X.
Provides basic information about such topics as minerals, energy resources, pollution, soils and erosion, wildlife and extinction, agriculture, the ocean, wilderness, hazardous wastes, population, environmental laws, ecology, and evolution.
McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Environmental Science. New York, McGraw-Hill, 1974. ISBN: 0070452601.
Over 300 signed and illustrated articles for the nonspecialist about environmental science. Includes cross-references, bibliographies, index, maps, photographs, drawings, and charts.
Web Sites
Librarians Index to the Internet, Environment
Internet search directory that provides links to reliable Web sites on many varied topics from endangered species and noise pollution to mercury contamination and solar energy.
The National Environmental Directory
Directory of more than 13,000 organizations in the United States concerned with environmental issues and environmental education.
National Library Environment
Offers access to over 1,000 Congressional research service reports on the environment and related topics.
Terms of Environment, U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA)
Defines in nontechnical language the more commonly used environmental terms appearing in EPA publications.
Organizations
Center for Environmental Information (CEI)
Private, nonprofit, educational organization that provides information and communication services, publications, and educational programs.
Conservation International (CI)
Preserves and promotes awareness about the world’s most endangered biodiversity through scientific programs, local awareness campaigns, and economic initiatives.
Environmental Protection Agency
Provides a wide variety of information on the air, conservation, ecosystems, health and safety, waste and recycling, and water and environmental industry news. Includes areas specifically designed for children and high school students.
Kids for a Clean Environment (Kids FACE)
Organization comprised of children, parents, teachers, and others working to improve the environment. Focus is on children organizing and implementing ideas and programs on their own, supported and assisted by parents and teachers.
Subject Headings
•environmental engineering
•environmental health
•environmental impact analysis
•environmental monitoring
•environmental protection
•environmental sciences
•environmentally induced diseases
•health risk assessment
•human ecology
•nature—effect of human beings on
•pollution—environmental aspects