Transcript curriculum.jea.org

Teachers, how to use this slideshow:
Links to several databases are contained in
this slideshow. As you discuss them, click on
the links to show and explore what’s available
online.
Links are NOT provided to the databases that
are accessible through your school’s media
center or public library. It is recommended
that you personalize this slideshow with that
information and show those databases to
your students as well.
Using Databases
News Gathering
What is a database?
Any collection of searchable, organized
information available on a computer.
Today, many databases are available online,
but some are proprietary and used for
specific purposes.
Can you think of some examples of
databases you use?
Types of databases
1) Databases of data
2) Databases of articles
3) Databases that mix the two
Why use databases?
• Quick access to lots of information
on a specific topic
• Up-to-date, timely information
• Reliable information from valid
sources
• A variety of sources
Databases for Journalists
Investigative Reporters and Editors
www.ire.org
A non-profit organization, IRE provides a data
center and a resource database for
journalists researching and investigating
issues in their communities.
While most of its services require a paid
membership, this site does provide abstracts
on stories.
Databases for Journalists
Journalists Resource
http://journalistsresource.org
This site provides studies, reports, data and
news articles on topics of current interest.
Journalists Toolbox
http://www.journaliststoolbox.org/
Provided by the Society for Professional
Journalists, this site offers how-to lessons on
covering various topics, as well as links to
information and research.
Internet Public Library
http://www.ipl.org/
This online library will let you speak to a
librarian via a chat window and search by
topics.
School Libraries
Your school media center offers access to
research databases that you can use.
Gale Virtual Reference, Facts on File, JSTOR
and others offer reliable secondary sources
(researched articles on a topic).
Other databases available through your school
library may also have primary documents such
as letters, maps, photographs and court cases.
All of these sources are well-researched,
scholarly and reliable. These are great places to
look for ideas.
Public Libraries
If your school library doesn’t have it, your
public library probably does.
Public libraries not only have much of what
your school library offers, but also may
provide access to state and local data, such
as property records, education data and
more.
Most public libraries subscribe to many
different databases, providing you access to
consumer publications, journals and more.
Databases of Data
Examples:
• Property records
• Census records
• Animal control records
• Test scores
• Arrest records
• Auto accident records
• Telephone records (not public, but available
for court records if a judge approves)
What else could you look for?
Databases of data
Many government agencies, especially those
associated with the federal executive branch,
have databases of public records available to
all citizens.
Professional journalists have access to
journalistic databases such as IRE and
LexisNexis to perform extensive research on
stories.
These databases offer statistical data, public
records, and spreadsheets to help with the
reporting process.
How can you use
databases?
Assignment 1: Getting to Know Databases
Choose and explore five library databases.
Write a description of the database (a general
statement of what is in it) and choose one
example of information that could be useful to
you as a reporter.
Then explore the three databases for
professional journalists (URLs provided).
Describe each and choose one example of
information that is found in each site.
Assignment 2 – Using data in stories
With this exercise, choose two potential story
topics.
Choose three databases available to you that
would provide a wealth of information in
connection with your two topics.
Support your choices by naming the sources
within the databases and summarizing the
information you can find there.