Computer Science, CIS: Getting Started

Need some quick information but forgot where to go? Below are some helpful library links!

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Here are some of our newest CSMA, BCIS, and CSDA print books and a great selection of eBooks covering the fast-changing topics like web development and specific software. These and more can be found through our online catalog found on the library home page or here. 

Looking for a more technical 'how-to' type guide? Try searching the library catalog for ebooks and print books. Our ebooks tend to be the most up to date for technology topics like Python, HTML5, etc., especially for specific applications of a certain language/tool.

Are you doing research on a less technical, more theory-focused concept related to CS such as user experience, technology and society, etc.? Try searching the catalog for books (especially print books), or searching one of our databases listed under the 'Scholarly Research & Citations' tab.

If you want to just browse, here's a general list of CS-related journals and a list of books on general CS topics (this list might not include books on specific topics like Python data processing, but it will have books on general data processing).

Here's how I think about "how-to" vs general/theory topics for CS to help me decide what type of source to find:

• Specific application: For a timely topic like processing virtual reality graphics with python, ebooks will be most up-to-date with information on how to do that specific task. Also try our databases for articles from a periodical about your topic; most articles will report on news & research related to your topic, rather than giving you "how-to" information.
• Introductory overview: Python as a general language doesn't change quite as fast and so either ebooks or print books will do fine for introductory/overview information.
• Broader theory: The general concepts of algorithms, designing software, or human-computer interaction might be better served by print books since the ebooks tend to focus on very specific applications of those topics (not general overviews/introductions). Our databases might also have some good periodical/journal articles on the topic, but be aware that articles tend to be much more specific, focusing on research and news that relates to your bigger topic.

Ask yourself: Is this for personal research, or for a college research paper? Are you trying to learn how to use a certain technology, or are you writing a research paper that requires some combination of broad theory & specific examples? Thinking about these questions will help you know what type of information you're looking for.

Computer Science is filled with a variety fun and educational digital media, and this space is here for your academic adventure and leisure. Curated by your fellow cohorts, these websites are some of the finest in all things CS, tech, programming, and more! Don't see your favorite webpage represented? Please email the Subject Specialist and your recommendation will be added.

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Office Hours: 9 am - 3 pm Monday - Friday

Location: Library Annex Room L-109

Did you know that your program has a dedicated homepage filled with information such as courses, news, and career opportunities? Click the links below to find out more!

School of Architecture: ACS - Media Arts

School of Architecture: Design Computation

School of Business: CIS

College of Liberal Arts: CS in Data Analytics

Want to see a list of all periodicals we have on ACS-related subjects? Here are the most helpful subjects to start with:

Artificial intelligence

Computer science

Electronic apparatus and appliances (that's a librarian's way of saying "electronics").

Electronic data processing

Human-computer interaction

Information technology

Interactive multimedia

Prototypes, engineering (engineering of prototypes, like for 3D printing)

Software engineering

System design

User interfaces (Computer systems)

Virtual reality

Want to see all the subjects above in one big list? Let's call it the: "CS special brew".

You can use these subjects to find books, too! Just click on any one, then uncheck the "journal, magazine" filter on the left hand side.