Research with Library Databases
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Transcript Research with Library Databases
Database Searching:
How to Find Journal Articles?
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I. Understanding Online Databases
What are online databases?
Online databases are Web-based electronic
indexes that enable you to locate and
retrieve articles in magazines, journals and
newspapers.
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Types of Databases —
Multidisciplinary (Comprehensive) vs. Subject Specific
Database coverage may be comprehensive
e.g., Academic Search Premier , or on a particular
subject, e.g., PsycINFO.
Full text vs. Citation only
A database may contain full text articles or
only citations.
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II. Finding the Right Database(s) for
Your Research Topic
What databases are available from the Library?
Which databases are comprehensive and may be
the best place to start searching?
Which specialized database is appropriate for my
subject-oriented research?
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What databases are available from the Library?
The library subscribes to a number of online databases which cover
various subjects. Remote access allows you to search off campus.
Click By Title or By Subject or By Provider on the Library Homepage to
get a database list with descriptions and access information.
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Which databases are comprehensive?
Academic Search Premier*
&
Wilson OmniFile Full Text*
Why should you start with one of the above ?
They cover nearly all subject areas or disciplines.
They provide a large number of full-text journal articles.
They let you limit your search to scholarly journals.
*You may locate the two databases on the database list By Title.
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Which specialized database is appropriate for
my subject-oriented research?
You may select a specialized database
from the list By Subject.
When you browse the list and select an
online database, consider the following
questions:
Which database covers my research subject?
Can I get full text articles?
Can I limit the search to scholarly journal articles?
What other sources are available ?
For example:
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You are doing research on an educational topic:
First, choose the database list By Subject, then select Education. You will
get a list as shown below from which you can select a database to start your
search.
You may click (info.) besides the database title to read the description of the
database.
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III. Locating & Retrieving Relevant Articles
Each database has its own search interface and
capabilities. Many of the basic search concepts
and features are similar:
Keyword searching
Limiters
Boolean operators
What are some common searching problems
and solutions?
Where can you find more assistance for some
of the library’s databases?
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Keyword Searching
Keyword searching is the easiest search method, but may be
less precise.
Databases collect, sort and present information according to FIELDS
(which are usually found in a dropdown menu), such as:
Author
Title of article
Subject
Publication name
To make your search more specific, you may select one or more
fields to do keyword search.
To expand your search, you may search for keyword(s) in All
basic or Default fields.
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Limiters
Limiters are database functions that let you narrow
your search results.
Database limiters may include:
Scholarly (Peer Reviewed)
Publication year
Full text
Language, etc.
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Boolean Operator: AND
AND links words or phrases that must both appear in the same
article.
If you what to focus your search results, use Boolean operator AND
to connect additional word(s)
Example: computer and teaching -- finds both computer
and teaching anywhere in the same article.
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Boolean Operator: OR
OR
links synonyms, alternative forms of expression,
acronyms, and so on.
If you want to expand your search, use Boolean operator
OR to connect additional word(s).
Example:
first grade or elementary school -- finds either first grade
or elementary school in the same article.
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Common Searching Problems
& Solutions (I)
1.
Citation list is too long
Narrow your search using additional terms
connected by AND;
Limit your search by limiter functions;
Try to find the official descriptor or subject
heading that matches your keyword(s) in the
thesaurus or subject index provided by the
database.
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Common Searching Problems & Solutions (II)
2. No citations
Check the spelling of your search terms;
Eliminate one or more of your search terms;
Don’t fill in every empty text box or drop-down menu choice;
Try to find the official descriptor or subject heading that
matches your topic;
Make sure appropriate database is used;
Call (201)200-3033 to ask a reference librarian for
assistance.
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For more on search techniques
Click
for the instruction on searching
Academic Search Premier of EBSCOHost.
Click
for the instruction on Business
InfoSuite.
Click
for the instruction on Lexis-Nexis
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Click
Tutorial:
to go back to the
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