CCC Research Databases

1
CCC Research Databases

• An online workshop explaining CCCs Library
  Research Databases- what they are- where to
  find them - and the basics of how to use them
  Included are directions for finding peer-reviewed
  articles

2
What are databases?

• A database is an organized collection of
  information whose contents can be easily
  accessed, updated and managed.
• You can search for thousands of magazine
  articles, newspapers and scholarly journals in
  library research databases.
• Many library research databases are subscription
  and require that students have an ID to use them.
  If you are accessing the databases off the CCC
  campus please call the CCC Library at 226-4351
  for a user ID password. Be prepared to give
  your student ID .
• For a better understanding of electronic library
  research databases see our online workshop
  Databases vs The Internet

3
Where are the CCC Research Databases?

• Go to the Coconino Community College homepage at
  http//www.coconino.edu/
• Drop down under Student Services to Library -
  click Library.
• In the right column, after Find, click
  Articles Journals.
• You are there!
• If you are accessing the databases off campus
  you will need to call CCC Library at 226-4351 for
  a user ID password. Be prepared to give your
  student ID

4
There are many different databases, how do you
decide which one(s) to use?

• At the top of the CCC Research Databases page
  you will see three basic ways to decide which
  databases to use
• Databases A-Z this choice is best only if you
  already know the name of a database you want to
  use.
• Databases by subject area This is a great
  choice if you are using the databases for the
  first time and you are not sure which ones to
  use.
• Search All This is the best way to search if
  you are familiar with specific databases included
  in EBSCO, SIRS, Proquest and Gale products.
• For a helpful handout and more information
  click Databases - which one(s) to use?

5
Tips on choosing a database for your research
project

• The best way to learn about each database is by
  clicking the information the next to the
  database name. This will take you to brief
  descriptions about what subjects are covered in
  the database, the target audience and the
  coverage dates. This is your first step in
  deciding which database(s) will provide the best
  information for your project.
• Explore all of the features and options in the
  database. Look for descriptive words that link to
  information about the database words such as
  help, about, tips, browse and features often give
  you very helpful hints for finding information in
  databases.
• It is essential to take time to explore the
  features of a database if you are going to be
  successful searching in it.

6
After you decide which database(s) to use, then
how do you begin searching?

• FIRST it is very important to build a long list
  of keywords to use when searching in the
  databases. Try thinking of all the possible
  words and phrases related to your topic (consider
  using an online dictionary or thesaurus ) and
  list them in an electronic word document this
  allows you to cut and paste the words from the
  word document into database search boxes.
• NEXT . . .

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. . . how do you begin searching in one of the
A-Z or subject areadatabases?

• Realize that the databases do not all look the
  same the interface, the location of the search
  box, and the options available in various
  databases will differ. Explore all options in
  each database for the best search results.
• Click the database If you are accessing the
  databases off the CCC campus this is where you
  will need to call CCC Library at 226-4351 for a
  user ID password if you do not know the current
  ID and password. Be prepared to give your student
  ID .
• Enter the User ID and Password if required
• Find the search box
• Enter your search term
• Check the Full Text box to limit the articles
  you retrieve to only full text articles.
• Click the box called Peer-reviewed or
  Refereed for the most credible, scholarly
  journals.

8
What can you expect to retrieve from entering
your search term into the database search box?

• You will see a list of articles. The title of
  each article will be first, and then depending on
  the database, you will see the author of the
  article, the journal or publication it is in and
  its volume number, the date of the article, and
  the number of pages or words contained in the
  article.
• To read an article, click its title. Look to find
  how you can e-mail the article to yourself or
  print the article.
• To save articles you want click Mark Item or
  Add to Folder. To see the articles you save
  click View Marked Items or Folder.

9
What about searching the databases by the Search
All option at the top of the CCC Research
Databases page?

• The Search All option allows you to search
  several databases at once based on the vendor
  (supplier of the databases the College
  purchases).
• Click one of the vendors located at the top of
  the page after Search All. You may choose
  EBSCO, SIRS or Proquest.
• You will then be offered the option of choosing
  the databases in which you want to search. Brief
  explanations of the databases are given to help
  you decide.
• You will retrieve articles from the databases you
  select.

10
A few suggestions for using the CCC Research
Databases

• Like with any new software or computer
  application practice is the best way to become
  good at searching in databases.
• It is a good idea to always search in the
  multi-disciplinary databases, such as Academic
  Search Elite and Expanded Academic ASAP.
• If you are searching for topics that are
  controversial, try searching in Opposing
  Viewpoints or SIRS.
• If you are looking for a wide variety of
  newspapers, business publications or ethnic
  publications, try searching in Proquest.
• To find images for presentations or papers look
  in Corbis.
• To find great historical information search in
  The History Study Center.
• For nursing and health use the database CINAHL or
  our Science databases.
• The database for K-12 and higher education is
  ERIC.
• Try PsychArticles for information on Psychology.
• Our literature databases are Literature Resource
  Center andMagill OnL iterature Plus.
• Always remember to search across different
  databases and subject areas when appropriate.

11
Remember to use the correct citations for
subscription databases

• As you collect your research from subscription
  databases you must remember to include the name
  of the database and the vendor (ex. Academic
  Search Elite is the database and EBSCO is the
  vendor), the name of the library and/or college
  and the town and state, and the date you accessed
  the information. Some style guides require you
  also include the URL. This information will be
  required for your citations.
• Below is an example of an article from Academic
  ASAP, Gale Group vender, as cited MLA style in a
  Works Cited page.
• Ries, Martin. "Andre Masson Surrealism and His
  Discontents. Art Journal 61 (Winter 2002) 4-86.
  Academic ASAP. Gale Group. Coconino Community
  College Library, Flagstaff, Az. 20 May 2004
  .
• Click here to print an abbreviated MLA or APA
  electronic guide with examples
• Click here for referrals to good online MLA or
  APA guides