MET 102 Production Design & Specification Treasure Hunt Hints

On the Treasure Hunt “The treasure hunt was an experience that seemed absurd at the time but has proven worthy of the effort. The ability to find information and contact resources within the field are critical to any person trying to survive in today’s world of technological advancement. In my job I must constantly try to obtain the most accurate information available in the shortest amount of time to keep projects on track; the treasure hunt experience still helps me do that. Thank you for your infusion of the “real world” into MET 102 and the MT Curriculum.” Michael A. Prater Manager, Plant Engineer Miles, Inc.

In the next 50 minutes you will: Know what we provide. Create strategies to attack your questions. Identify types of sources that may answer your questions. Understand how to cite your source in a proper format. See examples of actual questions.

Library Services (what we provide) Library Hours Reference Service Staff & Hours Online Resources MET 102 Expert System Where to find in-house sources (looking at Expert system results)

What to think about when reading your questions What do I already know? What do I need to know? What subject area or question type is this? Why would someone want this? Who collects this type of information?

Quick & Dirty Definitions of Source Materials Dictionaries Contain definitions, abbreviations, acronyms. Sci-Tech and multi-lingual Handbooks Textual & numerical data usually confined to one discipline. Encyclopedias Best for those needing more than a definition

More Quick & Dirty Definitions Directories Lists of organizations, people or products Manufacturers’ or Product Catalogs Info on products, their capabilities, limitations, construction, cost, etc. to sell products Almanac Compilation of info, including statistical, astronomical and meteorological data.

Even More Quick & Dirty Definitions Standards Rules as to the size, shape or quality of industrial products, processes or test methods Laws & Regulations Laws are established by government authority while regulations are government orders with the force of law. (In HSSE Library, some on the WWW)

Match your question to your source Brand name? Vendor Catalog or Trademark Database Specific product information? Vendor Catalog or Product Review Test procedure? Standard Size or quality? Standard Physical constant? Handbook or Standard Chemical property? Handbook or Standard

Getting Started Online Expert system  Linked from ENGR homepage  Suggests a group of resources to check first  Other resource groups are listed by likelihood of usefulness

Don’t forget about using Your Textbook Lab Manuals Salespeople and other contacts

Cite your source! Books and online resources. When possible, include:  Author, Title, Publisher info and year  Try NOT to abbreviate.  Example: Meyers, R.A. (Ed.). (1989). Encyclopedia of Telecommunications. San Diego: Academic Press.

Example  What do we know?  What do we need to know?  What subject area or question type is this?  Why would someone want this?  Who collects this type of information? How many teeth are required on a knurling wheel to achieve a 64 pitch knurl?

Another Example  What do we already know?  What do we need to know?  What subject area or question type is this?  Why would someone want this?  Who collects this type of information? Find the thinnest strip manufactured by Hamilton Precision Metals Co.

Another Example  What do we already know?  What do we need to know?  What subject area or question type is this?  Why would someone want this?  Who collects this type of information? What is the composition of die casting Zamak-3 (%)?

And everything on the web is NOT what you need! Everything you need is NOT on the web

Remember to start early and work on your questions often! Do you have any questions?