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Online Databases Class
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Class Description / Class Outline / Class Handout /Internet Links / Library Resources /Glossary of Computer Terms / For Additional Help |
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Class Description Learn what an online database is and how to access the library's online databases from within the library and from home. Explore the library's online databases and find reference, magazine, and journal articles in a variety of subjects. |
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What is a Database? Accessing the Library's Online Databases Preview some of the library's databases Practice |
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What is a Database? A database is a collection of information that is organized and easy to search. Users of the library's online databases can find magazine and journal articles (many full-text articles), reference book articles, encyclopedia entries, literary criticism, genealogical information, business resources, health information, electronic books, and practice tests. Accessing the Library's Online Databases Most databases can be used from home. There are some databases - ValueLine, Reference USA, and Ancestry Library Edition that can only be accessed from within the library. To access the library's
online databases from within the library: To access the library's
online databases remotely from home: Preview some of the library's databases The library offers users over thirty online databases. Databases can be found in the following subject areas:
During the class we will preview 5-6 of these databases depending on the subject needs of the students. For example: Biography Resource Center: Biography Resource Center is a comprehensive biographical database including over 250 full-text periodicals. The database covers various areas such as literature, science, multicultural studies, business, entertainment, politics, sports, government, history, current events, and the arts. Searching Biographical Facts Search- Use this search if you're trying to find a list of people with certain characteristics such as female inventors or 19th century French authors. Can search by name, occupation, nationality, ethnicity, gender, birth/death year, birth/death place. Advanced Search - Search by full-text, keyword, source, and date. Document Management Mark List - Click on the box next to the article title to add to your list of articles that you can go back to later. Print - click on the printer icon on the top left of the page to obtain a printer-friendly document that you can print out for yourself. Email - Email the document to yourself or to a friend. Spotlight On... On the right side of the BRC's homepage there is a featured person spotlighted with a brief biography. You can search the Spotlight On archive for other featured biographies. This is helpful if you need to write a report but don't know who you want to write about. Practice Use the last 10-15 minutes of the class to practice using the online databases that we have used during the class. Ask any questions about the databases. |
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Internet Links |
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Library Resources |
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Glossary of Computer Terms |
| CPU: the central processing unit that reads and performs instructions & stores information |
| Directory: a catalog of sites by subject |
| Dragging: the process of moving an object by clicking on it with the left mouse button & while holding the button down move the object to its desired location & release |
| E-mail: electronic messages sent between computers that are connected on a network |
| Home Page: usually the first page you see at a Web site, it is the site's main page |
| Internet: a diverse set of interlinked world-wide computer networks |
| Keyboard: an input device that allows users to type in commands on a computer |
| Monitor: an output device which displays information, it is similar to a television set |
| Mouse: a hand held input device that allows users to point & click to make selections on the screen |
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For Additional Help WRL computer volunteers: call 259-4050 for the latest volunteer schedule |
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