Shatford Library

Shatford Library

Automotive Technology

1. Library Catalog - Find Books, Media and Pamphlets

PCC's online catalog is a database of books, media, pamphlets and course reserves located in the library's collection. To find resources in the library by subject, you will need a call number which is based on the Dewey Decimal Classification System and leads you to the specific item on the shelf. To find the call number, use the library's online catalog.

Basic Search

Use the Basic Search to look for an item using its exact subject heading, title or author's name (last, first). Select the type in the words.

        To find information on a topic, use Basic Search by subject.

To search by subject, select 'Subject Search', then type in the subject heading.

Examples of subject headings:

  • Automobiles Maintenance and repair
  • Automobiles Brakes
  • Automobiles Electric equipment

Check related subjects too:

  • Toyota automobiles
  • Volkswagon automobiles
  • Automobile industry workers

To search by title, select 'Title', then type in the first few words of the title. Skip the first word of the title if it is an article, e.g. 'a', 'an' or 'the'.

To search by author, select 'Author', then type in the author's last name, then first name, e.g. 'Pelfrey, William'.

Advanced Search

If Basic Search is unsuccessful use Advanced Search to combine topics.

  • Example:  AUTOMOBILES CARS TRUCKS (any of these) AND ENGINES (all, keyword)

Use the Advanced Search to look for an item using part of the title or to combine topics:
To search by keyword, type in the words you want to search for then select from the menu whether you want to search for ALL THE WORDS, ANY OF THE WORDS (e.g. brakes braking), or the WORDS AS A PHRASE (e.g. hybrid vehicles).

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2. Reference Books

Basically, there are two kinds of reference books: general resources, which are broad in scope and deal with all fields; and specialized resources, which deal with specific disciplines such as automobile design or business management. The titles cited below are only a representative sample of many specialized reference books that are available in the library. Our reference titles are located on the second (main) floor of the library. 

Specialized Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

  • Road & Track Illustrated Automotive Dictionary   REF 629.203 D 1 2000    
  • Encyclopedia of Classic Cars   REF 629.222 E 2             
  • Encyclopedia of American Cars    REF 629.222 E 3             
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3. Databases and Indexes - Find Articles

The library subscribes to several databases which will have periodicals and reference information on automobiles and the industry.  From the library home page look under “Find Articles, Databases by Name”.

  • Proquest Direct  A database of periodical articles, to find magazine, trade publication, and newspaper articles.   As with the catalog, search under a variety of terms (keywords, names, etc.) Use Proquest for access to Car and Driver, Automotive News, Popular Mechanics, Motor, etc.
  • SIRS   A database of both periodicals and government resources. Look under subjects such as: automobile industry and trade, automobile industry workers, automobiles air conditioning, automobiles motors, automobiles fuel systems. 
    Includes Federal Government EPA and Dept. of Transportation publications.
  • Encyclopedia Britannica Online  Web based version of Encyclopedia Britannica.  Includes the complete encyclopedia, as well as Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, the Britannica Book of the Year, and an Internet directory that includes more than 130,000 links to Web sites selected, rated, and reviewed by Britannica editors.
  • CQResearcher  Articles covering controversial issues with summaries, insight into all sides of the issues, and more.   Search examples:  Auto Industry’s Future, Energy Efficiency, Consumer Safety, Labor Union’s Future, etc.
  • Science Full Text Select   Another database of articles searchable by keyword.  Search examples: Automobiles Heating, cooling; Automobile engines, exhaust.
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4. Resources on the World Wide Web

Finding reliable information on the web can be difficult.
Use the Librarians' Index to the Internet www.lii.org or see recommended websites below.

Autoshop 101
Receive online instruction & testing, technical articles, and automotive links at this site.  Instruction modules include electrical fundamentals, circuit protection, variable resisters, battery service, understanding alternators and logic gates.  Many resources are geared toward candidates for certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
BAT Auto Technical
A site for automotive repair information.  Includes "Forums" -- discussions -- domestic, imports, heavy truck, general, small engines, automotive products, and mechanics.  Provides technical/trouble codes for all vehicles.  The BAT Auto Resource Center has product reviews and technical articles.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Pages from the Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Dept. of Labor) describing the nature of the work, training and qualifications, job outlook, earnings, and related occupations.
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last updated: 04/13/2009 by P. Johnson revision #1