Daphne Miyashiro
LIS 601
Fall 2012
To Solar or Not to Solar:
A Bibliography Plan
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
2
TOPIC AND SCOPE
AUDIENCE
CITATION STYLE
2
2
2
SEARCH STRATEGY
2
LC CALL NUMBERS
DEWEY CALL NUMBERS
2
3
SEARCH RESULTS
3
OPACS
DATABASES AND ENCYCLOPEDIAS
3
4
CONCLUSION
5
APPENDIX A: SEARCH TERM TABLES
5
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII – VOYAGER CATALOG
HAWAII STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
WORLDCAT
ACADEMIC SEARCH PREMIER
BUSINESS SOURCE PREMIER
HAWAII NEWSPAPER INDEX
HAWAII PACIFIC JOURNAL INDEX
LEXISNEXIS ACADEMIC
PAIS INTERNATIONAL
REGIONAL BUSINESS NEWS
6
6
6
7
7
8
9
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ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
9
APPENDIX B: ANNOTATED RESOURCE EXAMPLES
10
ENDNOTES
11
1
Introduction
Topic and Scope
With the rising cost of oil and energy many people and businesses are interested in
installing PV systems on their rooftops.1 Although this may save them money in the
future, the initial cost of the panels and installation is quite high. Is the investment worth
it?
Audience
This bibliographic plan is mostly targeted to those who are on the fence about whether
or not to install PV systems in their own homes. It may also be useful for those who
need help to convince others (their parents) that this investment is worth the upfront
costs of the panels and installation.
Citation Style
All citations are done in Turabian format, as per A Manual for Writers of Research
Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers.2
Controlled vocabulary (CV) will be in all capital letters, and natural language (NL) will be
in lower case letters with quotes (“ “). Truncated terms are marked with an asterisk (*).
Search Strategy
Library of Congress Subject Headings
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION
SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR HOUSES
LC Call Numbers
TH 7414 – SOLAR HOUSES
2
TJ 809 – SOLAR ENERGY
TK 1087 – PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GERNERATION, PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
SYSTEMS
Dewey Call Numbers
333.7923 – Solar energy
621.47 – Solar-energy engineering
621.31244 – Generation of electricity from solar radiation
Search Results
OPACS
University of Hawaii – Voyager Catalog3
I started my search by looking searching “photovoltaic” in the Subject Key within the
Advanced Search in Voyager to help find appropriate subject headings to use as my
CV. After noting them down, I began my real search.
There were many results just by searching by subject alone. However, I decided to
focus the search on Hawaii and taxes. Although the results were only somewhat
relevant, the search terms with the most results were SOLAR ENERGY AND “Hawaii”.
It seems that there were more results because there were many resources focusing on
solar water heating.
I was a little disappointed with my search results for resources relevant to my topic.
However, I also know that the UH library system is more for academic research and not
personal research. Many of the resources I found were about the “scientific” side of
photovoltaic systems, not general knowledge. Some of the relevant results were also a
little outdated.
Hawaii State Public Library System4
Since my results from Voyager were a little too “scientific” and “academic”, I decided to
search the Hawaii State Public Library System catalog for more consumer level
materials. I also wanted to focus this bibliography plan on those interested in installing
PV systems in Hawaii, so I hoped I could find more relevant sources with Hawaii ties.
I feel that my HSPLS search was more successful than searching Voyager. I was able
to find many general knowledge resources on photovoltaic systems. I was also able to
find materials in the young adult and children’s collection about solar energy. The
3
young adult book, The Pros and Cons of Solar Power5 by Isabel Thomas, provided
opposing points and questions regarding solar power.
WorldCat6
Although WorldCat is not familiar to many, I use it quite often to search for possible
borrowing libraries when I process Interlibrary Loan requests. At first I was a little
disappointed with the book results, but I also remembered that the search results are
sorted by library holding closest to Honolulu. That is why the same titles found in the
Voyager catalog were showing up.
However, I was able to find some interesting video and sound clips that the University of
Hawaii does not own. I even found a D.I.Y. instillation video.7
Databases and Encyclopedias
Academic Search Premier8
I have used this database before for other assignments, so I felt very comfortable. I did
find that the controlled vocabulary was the same as the LC subject headings. I was a
little surprised by that, but then again, I can’t think of any other term to use.
I had a feeling I wasn’t going to find many sources relating to Hawaii, but I was happy to
see that there were many articles with information on federal tax credits.
Business Source Premier9
I was very hopeful of Business Source Premier because of the word “business” and its
association with money and taxes. However, I was getting very similar results to
Academic Search Premier. I’m not too sure if it was because both databases were
hosted by EBSCO HOST or because they are pooling from the same sources.
Hawaii Newspaper Index10
I have used this database before in a previous class, so I know that the database does
not have all the newspaper articles ever published in either the Honolulu Advertiser,
Honolulu Star Bulletin. I believe the articles date back to either the mid 1980s or 1990s.
All articles should be indexed from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. However, this should
not affect my search because the topic of photovoltaic is relatively current.
Although, this database is searchable by subject, I did not have any results for SOLAR
HOUSES or PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION. These are narrower terms
from SOLAR ENERGY.
Hawaii Pacific Journal Index11
I have never used this index before, so I was interested to see what type of results I
would see. This database only uses NL terms; I could not search by subject. It was a
little shocked to see that I could not search for “solar energy” as is. I needed an extra
“and” between them. All results found in this database could be found in the University
4
of Hawaii Libraries System. I believe this database pools from journals we have in our
collection.
Regional Business News12
This is another database that I have never used before. Similar to the Business Source
Premier, I believe that there will be more information about tax credits in this database
than others because it is “business” related. Upon opening the site I notice that this is
another EBSCO HOST database, so my hopes died down a little. My results were as I
thought, they were very similar to the
State of Hawaii Data Book13
This was not a fun “database” because it was not searchable. There were links to the
Data Books from each year and either Word or PDF of each chapter/section for each
year.
Conclusion
Doing this bibliography plan helped me familiarize myself with different databases and
what types of information they provide. As I mentioned earlier, I was surprised that
there weren’t many materials in the UH Library System on general knowledge of
photovoltaic systems. Many of the resources sounded relevant, but when you read
more about the record, you notice that it is a technical paper from a report. Some
patrons may want to read such items, but I think the general public would not. From
personal experience, I have read some abstracts from many different technical papers
while photocopying them because other universities are requesting them through
Interlibrary Loan. Although I may know about the subject, the vocabulary and terms
used in technical papers are different from what we use everyday.
I learned that the topic of photovoltaic systems is not that new. The technology has
been around since the 1980s, the late Former Governor Ariyoshi has written a letter
talking about the potential of solar energy. 14 I thought that there was a difference
between solar water heaters and photovoltaic, but there isn’t. You can hear many
people around the island as talk about the two as if they are completely different things.
Appendix A: Search Term Tables
Relevance Key:
Very Relevant: VR
Somewhat Relevant: SR
Not Relevant: NR
5
University of Hawaii – Voyager Catalog
Search Terms
Relevance
Results
SOLAR HOUSES AND
“Hawaii“
NR
5
SOLAR ENGERY AND
“Hawaii”
SR
42
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION AND “Hawaii”
NR
13
SOLAR HOUSES AND “tax*”
NR
0
SOLAR ENERGY AND “tax*”
SR
7
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION AND “tax*”
NR
1
Hawaii State Public Library System
Search Terms
Relevance
Results
SOLAR HOUSES AND
“Hawaii“
NR
0
SOLAR ENGERY AND
“Hawaii”
SR
20
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION AND
“Hawaii”
NR
5
SOLAR HOUSES AND
“tax*”
NR
0
SOLAR ENERGY AND
“tax*”
SR
2
“solar” AND “tax*”
SR/VR
9
WorldCat
6
Search Terms
Relevance
Results
SOLAR HOUSES AND
“Hawaii“
NR
16
SOLAR ENGERY AND
“Hawaii”
SR
209 (205 in English)
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION AND
“Hawaii”
NR
34
SOLAR HOUSES AND
“tax*”
SR
25
(1 visual, 1 sound)
SOLAR ENERGY AND
“tax*”
SR
220
(215 in English)
Academic Search Premier
Search Terms
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION and “Hawaii”
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION AND “tax”
SOLAR HOUSES AND
“Hawaii”
SOLAR HOUSES AND “tax”
SOLAR ENERGY AND
“Hawaii”
SOLAR ENERGY AND “tax”
“pv” AND “Hawaii”
“PV” and “tax”
Relevance
Results
VR
5
VR
20
SR
1
NR
0
SR
19
VR/SR
NR
SR
92
41
51
Business Source Premier
Search Terms
Relevance
Results
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION and
“Hawaii”
VR
8
7
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION AND “tax”
VR
36
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION AND “tax”
AND “Hawaii”
SR
2
SOLAR HOUSES AND
“Hawaii”
NR
1
SOLAR HOUSES AND
“tax”
SR/VR
1575
SOLAR HOUSES AND
“tax” AND “Hawaii”
SR
978
SOLAR ENERGY AND
“Hawaii”
SR
22
SOLAR ENERGY AND
“tax”
VR/SR
92
SOLAR ENERGY AND
“tips” AND “Hawaii”
NR
1
“pv” AND “Hawaii”
SR/NR
54
“pv” and “tax”
SR/NR
54
Search Term
Relevance
Results
SOLAR HOUSES AND
“tax*”
NR
0
SOLAR ENGERY AND
“tax*”
VR
25
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION AND “tax*”
NR
0
“pv” AND “tax*”
VR
1
“pv” AND “benefit”
SR
1
Hawaii Newspaper Index
8
Hawaii Pacific Journal Index
Search Term
Relevance
Results
“solar” AND “energy” AND
“Hawaii”
VR
14
“solar” AND “Hawaii”
SR
32
“solar” AND “tax”
SR
7
“photovoltaic” AND “Hawaii”
VR
5
“photovoltaic” AND “tax”
NR
0
“pv” AND “Hawaii
SR
2
“pv” AND “tax”
NR
0
Regional Business News
Search Terms
Relevance
Results
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
SYSTEMS AND “Hawaii”
VR
7
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
SYSTEMS AND “tax”
SR
10
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION AND
“Hawaii”
SR
3
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
GENERATION AND “tax”
NR
1
SOLAR ENERGY AND
“Hawaii”
NR
39
SOLAR ENERGY AND
“tax”
SR/VR
297
SOLAR HOUSES and
“Hawaii”
SR
1
9
Appendix B: Annotated Resource
Examples
General Resources
Hawaii Department of Planning and Economic Development. Guidebook on
Photovoltaic Applications in Hawaii, prepared by Ronald C. Richmond. Honolulu,
HI: Hawaii Department of Planning and Economic Development, 1984.
[HSPL - H 621.475 HAWG]
Although put out in 1984, contains useful conversion tables, formulas and worksheets to
help you figure out how much energy your home uses. Also includes helpful glossary
and peak sun exposure map of Oahu. A letter from former Governor George. R.
Ariyoshi adds a special touch to this report.
Thomas, Isabel. The Pros and Cons of Solar Power. New York: Rosen Publishing
Group, 2008. [HSPL - YA 333.7923 Th]
Ever sounded too technical trying to explain to your children how your home
photovoltaic system works? Written for young adults, have your children (or yourself)
learn about PVs and take a look at both sides of the debate. Case studies demonstrate
the relevancy and help gain perspective.
Financing your PV System
Ashford, Kate, and Duo Dickinson. "Beauty Without Utility Bills." Money 37, no.
12 (December 2008): 60-61.Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed
October 15, 2012).
Read about an Oahu family’s home renovation and the how they added solar water
heating and PV systems to their home. It also includes a breakdown of the renovation
costs.
Chiras, Dan. "More Affordable: SOLAR POWER." Mother Earth News no. 253
(August 2012): 47-54. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed October
15, 2012)
Have you or someone you know said, “I would get solar if it were cheaper”? Chiras’
article takes a look at using the increased demand and competition between the solar
companies and manufacturers to the consumer’s advantage. He also describes the
different types of solar electric systems and their pros and cons.
10
Findley, David S. Solar Power for Your Home. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010.
[HSPL - 643.2 F]
Ever wondered how photovoltaic systems work? Read about the history, different types
and fundamentals along with easy to understand graphics. Learn about ways to fund
your solar project too.
Yee, Alan M.L., and Jessica S.E. Enos. Taxes of Hawaii 2012: A Comprehensive
Guide for Taxpayers and Tax Professionals; For Tax Year 2011. Honolulu, HI:
Watermark Publishing, 2012. [HSPL - H 336.2 Ye 2012]
Not sure how much to claim for your “renewable energy technologies income tax
credit”? Find out how much to claim and learn about other potential tax credits you may
be eligible for. Also includes examples of more than 40 Hawaii State tax forms and
detailed tax rate tables.
Yohan, Alan Jr. “Glut of photovoltaic panels helps shave 20 percent off cost of
installing system.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser, January 18, 2012.
The recent decline in the price of photovoltaic panels and increase in competition
between the solar companies is the reason the cost of installing solar power systems
has also significantly declined in Hawaii over the past year.
Solar D.I.Y.
Ramsey, Dan. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Solar Power for Your Home.
Indianapolis, IN: Alpha, 2003. [HSPL - 621.3122 Ra]
Have you already installed a solar power system to you home and you’re looking to
sell? Or are you looking for a home with a solar power system already installed? Here
you’ll find helpful questions you should ask when buying or selling a solar home.
Mayfield, Ryan. Photovoltaic Design & Installation for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ:
Wiley Publishing Co., 2010. [HSPL - 621.31244 Ma]
You have made the investment and purchased PV for your home. The solar company
is coming to install your system and you want to make sure they’re doing a good job –
look no further. Although written mostly for solar companies, you will have a better
understanding of what they’re doing to make sure they won’t be making a “dummy” out
of you.
Endnotes
11
1
Kuhar, Mark S. “The Sun Makes It Rain,” Rock Products 114, no. 7 (2011): 18 – 21.
2
Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers, 7th ed. (Chicago and
London: The University of Chicago Press, 2007).
3
University of Hawaii at Manoa, "Voyager Catalog," University of Hawaii at Manoa
Library; available from http://library.manoa.hawaii.edu (accessed October 13, 2012).
4
Hawaii State Public Library, "Horizon Information Portal," Hawaii State Public Library
System; available fromhttp://ipac.librarieshawaii.org/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile= (accessed
October 13, 2012).
5
Thomas, Isabel. The Pros and Cons of Solar Power. New York: Rosen Publishing
Group, 2008.
6
WorldCat, "WorldCat.org: The World's Largest Library Catalog," WorldCat; available
from http://www.worldcat.org (accessed November 23, 2012).
7
Nagy, Bob. A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems:
A Training Course in 16 Chapters. 3 Discs. DVD. Presented by Green Power Videos.
Chicago, IL: Voltaire Media Group, 2009.
8
Academic Search Premier, via UH Manoa Library; available
from http://micro189.lib3.hawaii.edu/ezproxy/details.php?dbId=2323 (accessed October
14, 2012).
9
Business Search Premier, via UH Manla Library: available from
http://micro189.lib3.hawaii.edu/ezproxy/details.php?dbId=2328 (accessed November
23, 2012).
10
Hawaii Newspaper Index, via UH Manoa Library: available from
http://micro189.lib3.hawaii.edu/ezproxy/details.php?dbId=38231 (accessed November
30, 2012)
11
Hawaii Pacific Journal Index, via UH Manoa Library: available from
http://micro189.lib3.hawaii.edu/ezproxy/details.php?dbId=462 (accessed December 1,
2012).
12
Regional Business News, via UH Manoa Library: available from
http://micro189.lib3.hawaii.edu/ezproxy/details.php?dbId=38045 (accessed November
23, 2012).
12
13
State of Hawaii Data Book, via UH Manoa Library;: available from
http://micro189.lib3.hawaii.edu/ezproxy/details.php?dbId=1011 (accessed December 1,
2012).
14
Hawaii Department of Planning and Economic Development. Guidebook on
Photovoltaic Applications in Hawaii, prepared by Ronald C. Richmond. Honolulu, HI:
Hawaii Department of Planning and Economic Development, 1984.
13