Agenda:An Introduction to Databases

Today You Will:

Learn about our Library’s Databases for Quality Research

Three Sources for Research

Databases

Web

Books

Where do I go for:

Books – Library Catalog

Web – Search Engine (free)

Databases – Through the Library Website (subscription only)

Research Databases

What They Are: What They Aren’t:

• Subject specific• From experts or journalists• Designed for students•Magazines, newspapers, book

articles, radio & television broadcasts• Reliable

• Free• Searchable in Google or other

search engines

What Subjects Do They Cover?

History

Current Events

Literature

Science

Issues

Health

Tips for Using

Examine each one

Use Advanced Search, tabs, search within results

Email to self, print-friendly

Citations provided

Choose words wisely (less words = better results)

http://ithacalibrary.com

Database Searching vs. Google Searching

Databases need precise keywords in order to conduct a decent search.

You may also have to think of – like – words if you fail the first time.

Take a question like:

What are the different breeds of dogs?What keywords would you search?

Dog or dogs

Breed or breeds

What are the differences in care of poodles versus huskies?

What keywords

would you search?

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/toypoodle.htmhttp://www.dogbreedinfo.com/siberianhusky.htm

poodle

or

poodles

huskie

or

huskies

care

or

food

or

diet

How Do I Get to Them?

• Go to the Monty Tech Home Page: www.montytech.net

• Click on Curriculum - Library Media Center – Research Databases.

• Start the worksheet!

• Take Home the Logins and Passwords Bookmark.

Website Evaluation

Website Evaluation

• Authority: An accepted source of information or advice

• Currency: Up-to-date• Coverage: Informative, relevant • Objectivity: Based on facts

(without prejudice or bias)

• Authority: An accepted source of information or advice

• Currency: Up-to-date• Coverage: Informative, relevant • Objectivity: Based on facts

(without prejudice or bias)

04/12/2023