Transcript Introduction to Library Databases

Introduction to Library
Databases
Basic Searching
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What is a ‘database’?
• A database is a collection of information
organized so that it can be searched
easily.
• A computer database consists of a
massive compilation of data that is
electronically searchable and allows for
easy retrieval of information.
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BPL’s databases
• In a library setting, a database is made up of
collections of articles from newspapers,
magazines, encyclopedias and journals.
• BPL subscribes to many databases so that our
patrons (YOU!) can access information for free.
Hooray for
FREE
information!
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When would I want to use a database?
• If you have to do research or write a
paper…
• If you are interested in learning more
about a topic…
• If you remember reading an article in a
newspaper or magazine and want to find it
again…
• There are lots of reasons why a database
may prove useful to you!
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Why not just Google it?
• Searching a database is not the same thing as searching
using an internet search engine such as Google, Yahoo
or Ask.com.
Searching: An internet search offers limited
searching capabilities while a database search allows
for advanced searching functions.
Authorship: Anyone can post information on the
internet, so there is always a possibility of finding
unreliable or inaccurate information while BPL’s
databases retrieve only articles published by
reputable sources.
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How do I access BPL’s databases?
• All you need is a computer, an internet connection and
your library card.
• You can access BPL’s databases
at any BPL library.
• You can also access BPL’s databases remotely
from anywhere with an internet connection. You can
use a computer at home, at a friend’s house or even
at school.
From
anywhere?!
? WOW!!
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Accessing BPL’s Databases
• Begin at the BPL website
http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/
• Click on ‘Articles and Databases’ on the
left-hand side of the page
Note: If you are accessing
the databases remotely (away
from the library) you will be
prompted to enter your bar
code number which is listed
on the back of your library
card.
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Accessing BPL’s Databases
•
•
BPL subscribes to many databases that
cover many different topics, so your first
step is determining which database you
would like to use.
You can search for databases three
different ways:
1. All Electronic Resources
2. Subject
3. Alphabetical
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
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All Electronic Resources
• Notice the text box labeled ‘Search All Electronic
Resources.’
• You can enter the topic you would like to research and
the system will show you how many articles each
database returns.
• You can then decide which database looks like it might
offer you the most information.
• Generally, librarians prefer to use a specific database
rather than all electronic resources, but it is a matter of
personal preference so try each way and see which you
prefer…
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Subject Database Search
• When you look at the middle of the page, you should see
the Subject tab.
• Review the subjects and click on the one most
appropriate to your search.
• Several relevant databases will be listed with a short
description of the topics covered.
• Choose the database that seems to best fit your needs.
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Alphabetical Database Searching
• If you have used the databases before, you may have
found a particular database that proved very helpful or
easy to use.
• With an Alphabetical Search, you can choose the
database by name.
• Click on the ‘Alphabetical’ tab and then click on the first
letter of the database or scroll down to find the database
you are looking for.
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Using BPL’s Databases
• Let’s say I am writing a paper about the
controversy surrounding teaching
evolution in schools.
• To start researching I would:
1. Go to: www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
2. Click on ‘Articles and Databases’
3. Choose an appropriate database:
Academic Search Premier (ASP)
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ASP Basic Search: Search Terms
• Click on the Academic Search Premier link and you
arrive at the Basic Search page.
* It’s important to play
around with search
terms because the
database will only be
looking for articles
that actually use the
specific terms you
enter. Think about
synonyms and related
words or concepts
that might help in your
further searches!
• Think about which search terms (key words)* to use.
• Type your search term in the text box marked ‘Find.’
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ASP Basic Search: Limiters
• You may want to refine or limit your search.
To access articles
directly from the
computer, check
the ‘Full Text’ box.
If you only want
academic journal
articles, check the
‘Scholarly (Peer
Reviewed)’ box.
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ASP Basic Search: Results
• After you click ‘Search,’ you will find a number of
articles listed under the Results tab.
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ASP Basic Search: Limiting Results
• Limit using the
‘Narrow Results by
Subject’ column.
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ASP Basic Search: Reviewing Articles
• Click on the title of an article to read an abstract.
The information
you might need
for your
bibliography is
here.
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ASP Basic Search: Reading Articles
Click on the HTML icon,
to see the entire article
in text form including all
the content but no
graphs, charts or
images.
Click on the PDF icon,
to see the article
exactly as it appeared
when published
including all graphs,
charts and images.
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ASP Basic Search: Printing Articles
You can email a
copy of the article
by clicking on the
e-mail icon.
HTML Full Text
You can print an
article by clicking on
the printer icon.
PDF Full Text
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ASP: Advanced Search
• An Advanced Search which will allow you
to enter more than one search term.
When you begin
your search,
simply click on
the Advanced
Search tab.
Notice that there are
three text boxes for
you to enter search
terms.
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
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ASP: Advanced Search Hints
• Boolean operators: AND, OR and NOT.
If you click on the
drop down menu,
you can choose to
search using AND,
OR or NOT.
AND finds articles that contain all your search terms (Chocolate AND
Peanut Butter)
OR finds articles that contain at least one of your search terms but
may include all (Chocolate OR Peanut Butter)
NOT finds articles that do not contain the search terms listed after it
(Chocolate NOT Peanut Butter)
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
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Conclusion
•
Play with your search terms!
•
Start broad and then narrow your
results.
•
Don’t forget this is research, so it will
take time.
•
Have fun!
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