Searching Websites and Databases

Sonya Garza 6340 MTT Class Fall 2006

Website Searching Hints

• “Quotations” reduces number of hits but be sure of correct spelling

• Using site:edu, site:org, or site:gov to specify type of organization

EXAMPLE: "great depression" site:gov Results in government related documents at top of lists.• Adapted from article:School Library Journal; Jan2006, Vol. 52 Issue 1, p52-54, 3p, 2c

Locating the databases

• Locate the database links available on your school, public library, or university library webpage

• You will need a username and password from the librarian or appointed campus personnel.

Database Overview

• Available from every public, school, or university library in association with Texas State Library (Hints for searching databases.) that requires passwords.

• Hundreds of popular or professional journals• Chapters from books or encyclopedias• Newspapers (city, state, national,

international)• Primary sources, transcripts, multimedia, &

statistics

UT TeleCampus Digital Library

• Our UT TeleCampus username and passwords can be used to gain access to databases.

• Apply for TexShare library card to have access to university library resource

• You can chat with a librarian online for help.

Public Library Databases

• TexShare Databases is much more extensive than school libraries– General periodicals– Homework & Education– History & Genealogy– Health & Medical– Business Resources– Books & Literature– Science & Technology– Librarian’s Reference

Shelf

School Library Databases

• Digital Knowledge Central (DKC) works in conjunction with TexShare to create a virtual library

• Within each database resource are interfaces geared towards different grade levels or subject areas.

• Professional training is usually available at Region Service Centers from technology department.

EBSCO Elementary Level Interfaces

• Kids Search Plus is geared towards K-5 grade students

• Searchasaurus is geared towards upper elementary and middle school students

Searching Database Video Intro

• This short introduction was created using the SmartBoard Notebook Software Recording device then importing into Mircosoft Movie Maker Software

EBSCO –Secondary Level Interfaces

• Student Research Center-EBSCO 6-12 grade interface– Magazines,

biographies, maps, newspapers, suggested search terms

• Literary Reference Center- most studied authors, literary criticisms, book highlights

EBSCO HostWeb-Specific List of Databases

• About 34 database selections from primary resources to professional journals

• Check box to search individual database

• Most useful links are title list and more information links

Title List Searches

• Search journals by title or by subject– Look for full text or PDF

• Sign in to EBSCO to form your own account – Store content files– Set up journal alerts for

EBSCO will automatically send email with links for newest released articles

Technology Related Databases

• Professional DevelopmentCollection

• Information Science & Technology Abstracts

• Science & TechnologyCollection

• Internet & PersonalComputing Abstracts

• Computer Source- ”provides researchers with the latest information and current trends in high technology. This database offers full text for nearly 300 publications and indexing and abstracts for nearly 450 publications”

Boolean Logic & Searchable Fields

• To search for specific types of information use more information link

• Email articles• Boolean Logic hints

– AND, OR, NOT

• Searchable fields– TI education

• Searches the title of the article or a descriptive phrase

Expanding or Narrowing Search

• Other terms to search– Each link already has

suggested articles

• Visual Interface– Groups articles by subject

Other Types of Databases: NewsBank

• Current Events• Big 6 Information

Literacy Model resources

• Daily Updates

• News services

• Elementary and Secondary Interfaces

• Teacher Resources

NewsBank Research Projects

• Research project ideas in the form of questions

• Links for articles

• Search terms to use

• Related websites

NewsBank Statistics

• Search by topic, reading level, or type of resource

• Search hints

• Articles & Document tab

• Statistics tab

• Topics related to search term

Other Types of Databases

• United Streaming- digital video service– Teacher related resources for videos, quizzes,

lessons

• PowerMedia Plus- digital video & audio service– Online lesson organizer

• Facts on File - social studies (specific history subjects), geography, science (science projects), health, career center

• Encyclopaedia Britannica- 3 levels, learning activities, multimedia resources