Database tutorial2

DATABASESFinding Articles Using the Massasoit Community College Library’s Databases.

In this tutorial you will learn How to find the Massasoit database page Why databases may be the best sources for a

project How to access the Massasoit databases on

campus and off campus How to select the best database for your

research

WHY ARE DATABASES USEFUL FOR THIS PROJECT? Databases contain material from

newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, and, sometimes, books and websites

Databases contain information gathered from reliable sources

Databases contain current information Databases are valued by your professors

WHERE ARE THESE DATABASES LOCATED? Find our databases at the

Find electronic resources link on the Library homepage:

SELECTING A DATABASE Our databases are arranged alphabetically and by

subject (note that there is also a trial database link). Use the Alphabetical List to access a database you know; use the Subject List when you want to see what disciplines are covered by our databases:

SELECTING A DATABASE Use the Subject List to choose a database in

a discipline or subject area. For comp 1 research, News Sources, Academic/Scholarly, or General are good places to begin a search.

SELECTING A DATABASE Use the Alphabetical List if you know the

name of your database; then select the alpha letter corresponding to the name of the database. For example, to use the Opposing Viewpoints database click on the “O.”

USING A DATABASE Choose the database in the resulting list to

access.

Look for a search box and enter your topic.

USING A DATABASE For the search topic death penalty, use

quotes around the phrase and add juvenile to narrow the search. The resulting search string looks like this:

“death penalty” AND juvenile Fifteen viewpoints and many other usable

articles were in the results:

ACCESSING THE ARTICLE Click on the highlighted link to open the

article. This database offers many features: listening

to the article, printing, emailing, even citing:

OFF CAMPUS DATABASE USE Databases are available off-campus with a

Library barcode. Register for a barcode in person at the

circulation desk or online from the link on our homepage .

Proof of student status must be provided to register: In person with a Massasoit ID By using your Massasoit email when registering

online

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST DATABASEChoosing the best database will make your job easier. Examine your topic for focus:

What is the main subject of your research? Do you want your research to be locally focused? Is there a specific time period involved?

Use the Subject List to select a database. You may be able to see a connection to your topic here.

Use one of our local newspaper databases, like Boston Globe Newspaper, to provide local focus.

All databases include current information; but if your topic is a historical period, see our history databases.

Ask a Reference Librarian for help.