Computer Science Resources

Computer science is closely aligned with the broader classification areas of mathematics and technology. Materials relating to computers can be found in many subject areas of the library such as business and social sciences. For additional sources, search the USF catalog. Consult the Library of Congress Subject Headings for appropriate search terms and phrases such as computer software, computer programs, systems software, computer security, computer networks (all found in the basic classification TK5105.5 – TK5105.9 on the third floor of the library) or electronic data processing. The Library of Congress Classification System established the general call number area of QA 75.5 – QA 76.9 for computer science.

Databases

Computer and Information Systems Abstracts. USF Libraries.
Coverage includes literature on theoretical research and practical applications. Over 3000 periodicals are indexed as well as numerous other sources including conference proceedings.

Computer Database. USF Libraries
This resources indexes 150 periodicals covering the computer, telecommunications and electronics industry.

Compendex. USF Libraries.
Also known as Engineering Index, this is an index to technical literature with extensive and timely coverage of computer fields. It indexes journals, reports, society publications, books and conference proceedings and includes summaries of the item’s content.

INSPEC. USF Libraries.
INSPEC includes citations and summaries to scientific and technical literature in computers and computing science. Includes coverage of over 3000 journals, as well as many reports, books, dissertations, and conference proceedings.

Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

Encyclopedia of Computer Science. Ref QA76.15 .E48 2000.
In one large, illustrated volume, this resource presents over 600 articles on computer science topics. Articles vary in length and contain explanatory and/or historical information. Authors are identified and, in many cases, additional references are provided. Helpful appendices present a chronology of events, a polyglot (5 languages) glossary, a selected list of research journals, and much more.

Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology. Ref QA76.15 .E5.
Originally published in 1975, this title keeps up-to-date with annual supplements. The first 15 volumes contain lengthy, illustrated articles on computer topics arranged alphabetically. The author of each article is identified and additional references, in some cases numerous, are included. Scholarly articles in the annual supplements revise, enhance, and present new information and developments in computer science.

Encyclopedia of Computers and Computer History. Ref QA76.15.E53 2001.
Presented as an introduction to computers and written for the non-expert. Articles are lengthy, with suggested readings and signed by the author. Biographical and company information is also included as entries.

Facts on File Dictionary of Computer Science. Ref QA76.15.F345 2006.
Student oriented compilation of over 2400 definitions. Appendices include organizational and geographic domain names, file extensions and number conversions.

Software Encyclopedia. Ref QA76.753 .S67.
Detailed information on over 28,000 titles of microcomputer software.

Handbooks

Specific handbooks for computer program applications and languages can be located by performing a subject search in the USF catalog. Search on the proper name of the application or language, e.g. Java, Basic, Microsoft Access, etc. Handbooks may be located in both the reference area and the circulating collection.

Internet

There are many Internet sites of interest to the computer professional, student, and advocate. The organizations listed below are some of the professional associations that may be of interest.

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). <www.acm.org>
The ACM’s primary mission is scientific and educational promotion of information technology for computing professionals and students. The web site provides the ACM's Code of Ethics as well as a variety of other information, such as membership services, news and announcements of events and conferences, publications etc.

Association for Information Systems (AIS). <www.aisnet.org>
AIS was organized in the 1990s for information systems specialists in academic communities. The association publishes its newsletter online as well as providing other membership services.

IEEE Computer Society. <www.computer.org>
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers provides educational information, career opportunities, conference information and schedules, and full-text access to its journal publications to its 90,000 members. Visitors may peruse the Table of Contents (TOC) of these titles or may perform a keyword search for bibliographic citations for specific articles.

Selected Journals

Scholarly journals
        (All ACM journals are refereed)