Mechanical Engineering: Journal Articles & Conference Papers

Journal and conference articles contain a number of similarities:

• They are published on a regular basis (journals typically publish issues monthly; and conferences are held at regular intervals (e.g. yearly))
• The articles published in journals and from conferences focus on a very specific topic area; typically written by individuals who hold a PhD in their field, and conduct research at a University
• They are useful when you already have a basic understanding of a subject area, and are seeking more specialised, detailed, or challenging information to deepen your understanding (or provide scientifically-backed evidence for an assignment)

A key difference between journal and conference articles is the time taken between research being conducted, and the results published. Journal papers can be published years after research has been conducted. Conference papers are published much more quickly (typically within twelve months from research being undertaken), so can be particularly useful for new/emerging research fields.

This section of your Mechanical Engineering Research Guide introduces you to some databases you can use to search for journal and conference articles.

You can also use AskAway, or visit the Research Desk at BCIT Library, if you would like help finding journal and conference articles on a particular topic.

You can access eBooks, Journals, and databases from home if you are a current BCIT student, faculty or staff member:

• If you are presented with a login screen, use the same BCIT email and password as when you login to computers on campus
• Current students, faculty or staff members can login using MyBCIT or network login - check our KnowledgeBase article for tips
• For help with login, contact the Service Desk at 604-432-8370, or by email
  • For other off-campus access problems contact the Research Help Desk by email