UNIT 2

UNIT TWO: Using the Library and Online Databases

Accessing Information for Research Topics

  • Sources of Information:

    • Internet

    • Databases

    • Library

Understanding Databases

  • Definition of a Database:

    • A database consists of organized pieces of information, which are structured into records.

    • Electronic databases typically contain various types of information, including magazine and periodical articles.

  • Analogy for Non-Digital Database:

    • A file cabinet can be seen as a basic form of a non-digital database. It contains files (records) with filing cards (pieces of information), organized for easy retrieval.

    • In an electronic database, a computer program assists users in locating specific data.

  • Types of Electronic Databases:

    • Full-text databases

    • Bibliographic databases

    • Statistical databases

    • Image databases

    • Other various types, including specialized databases for specific fields.

Advantages of Electronic Databases

  • Historical Context:

    • Previously, users relied on compiled indexes or printed bibliographies to find articles.

    • This involved locating a print copy of a journal and photocopying articles or taking notes, a process that was time-consuming and labor-intensive.

  • Current Benefits:

    • Modern electronic databases provide almost instantaneous access to full-text articles directly on a computer screen, significantly improving the efficiency of research.

    • With the Internet, one can conduct extensive research from home or any location, greatly enhancing accessibility and convenience.

Common Features of Electronic Databases

  • Essential Features:

    • A Search Screen

    • Keyword Searching Capability

    • Subject Searching Capability

    • A HELP! Section which offers guidance for navigating database features.

    • A Publications Section showcasing the range of materials available.

Selected Electronic Databases

  • ProQuest®:

    • Allows users to search for citations, abstracts, as well as full-text and full-image articles on a wide range of topics, making it suitable for interdisciplinary research.

  • EBSCOhost®:

    • An online gateway providing access to over 27 different databases, including:

    • Full-text articles

    • Citations with abstracts

    • Bibliographic citations without abstracts.

    • Specific features like advanced search options tailored for more targeted research.

Accessing Electronic Databases

  • Accessing Off-Campus:

    • Use ISIMS- Library credentials for accessing databases remotely, ensuring that users can access vital resources from various locations.

Navigating EBSCOhost

  • EBSCOhost Login Page:

    • Requires User ID and Password for access.

    • Provides remote access for personal, non-commercial use to patrons from subscribing institutions, ensuring users have flexibility in research.

    • Restrictions apply for non-subscribing institutions regarding commercial use, highlighting the importance of institutional access.

Searching Effectively in Databases

  • Keyword Searching:

    • Simplest search method; however, may lack precision.

    • Databases organize and present information by specific fields, such as:

    • Author

    • Title of article

    • Subject

    • Publication name.

    • To refine searches, users can select specific fields or search within all basic fields to enhance accuracy in results.

Using Limiters in Searches

  • Limiters:

    • Functions that narrow down search results based on criteria such as:

    • Scholarly (Peer Reviewed)

    • Publication year

    • Full text availability

    • Language.

    • Employing limiters can significantly reduce the volume of search results and yield more relevant articles.

Subject Headings vs. Keywords

  1. Subject Headings (Controlled Vocabulary):

    • Official terms used by databases to describe article topics (e.g., ERIC Thesaurus).

    • Example: Searching for "IEP students" may return results using the subject heading "Individualized Education Programs".

    • Importance: Using proper subject headings retrieves all articles categorized under that concept, leading to comprehensive results.

  2. Using Subject Headings:

    • Start with a keyword search; select relevant results;

    • Check Subject or Descriptor fields and note terms for more precise re-searching.

  3. Keywords (Natural Language):

    • Words entered into search boxes are looked for in titles and abstracts.

    • Example: Searching for "trauma-informed teaching" finds articles specifically using that phrase.

    • Keyword searches align with typical web search engine operations, making them intuitive for users.

Boolean Operators in Searching

  • AND:

    • Links words/phrases needing to co-occur in the same article.

    • Example: “computer and teaching” retrieves articles with both terms, refining search specificity.

  • OR:

    • Links synonyms and alternative terms.

    • Example: “first grade or elementary school” retrieves articles with either term, expanding search results.

Proximity Searches

  • Definition: Searches for words occurring within a specified number of words from each other, allowing for more relevant results in contextual searches.

  • Operators:

    • Near Operator (N):

    • Example: N5 finds terms within five words regardless of order (e.g., “tax N5 reform”).

    • Within Operator (W):

    • Example: W8 finds terms within eight words in specified order (e.g., “tax W8 reform”).

Truncation and Wildcards in Searches

  • Truncation:

    • Technique that incorporates various endings/spellings of a root word.

    • Example: “child*” retrieves all forms (child, children), showcasing varying word forms.

    • Symbols vary by database (e.g., *, !, ?).

  • Wildcards:

    • Substitute a symbol for one letter of a word.

    • Example: “wom!n” retrieves both “woman” and “women.”

Understanding Fields in Data Records

  • Fields: Specific categories of bibliographic information in database records, including:

    • Author

    • Title

    • Journal Title

    • Abstract

    • Publisher

    • Date/Year of Publication

    • Subject/Descriptor.

  • Benefits: Limiting searches to specific fields yields more precise results, especially when looking for certain authors, topics, or terms, enhancing user efficiency.

Searching Phrases and Stop Words

  • Phrases:

    • Many databases allow adjacent words to be searched as phrases using quotes.

    • Example: “genetic engineering” searches this phrase exactly, reducing ambiguity in search results.

  • Stop Words:

    • Commonly occurring, insignificant words often ignored by databases (e.g., a, an, the).

    • Impact: Including stop words may lead to excessive, irrelevant search results, emphasizing the need for concise search phrases.

Common Searching Problems & Solutions

  1. Citation List is Too Long:

    • Narrow searches with additional terms linked via AND for focused results.

    • Use limiters to filter results effectively.

    • Find appropriate subject headings in the thesaurus for better matches.

  2. No Citations Found:

    • Check spelling of search terms to avoid errors.

    • Try eliminating excess or incorrect search terms to enhance search outcomes.

    • Avoid filling empty fields if not necessary for clear results.

    • Verify the appropriateness of the database for the research topic to ensure relevant outcomes.