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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.

• Think about which search terms (key words)* to use.• Type your search term in the text box marked ‘Find.’

* 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!

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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.

You can print an article by clicking on the printer icon.

HTML Full Text 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!