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Demystifying Library Databases

Demystifying Library Databases. LJG 3/19/02. This PowerPoint presentation was prepared by: Linda J. Goff (aka Madame Zolda, Gypsy Reference Librarian) Library Instruction Librarian California State University, Sacramento Library ljgoff@csus.edu (916) 278-5981 3/19/2002.

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Demystifying Library Databases

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  1. Demystifying Library Databases LJG 3/19/02

  2. This PowerPoint presentation was prepared by: Linda J. Goff (aka Madame Zolda, Gypsy Reference Librarian) Library Instruction Librarian California State University, Sacramento Library ljgoff@csus.edu (916) 278-5981 3/19/2002

  3. Today’s Agenda • Overview of Library Computer Resources • Common elements in database searching and search features • Remote Access • Sample searches

  4. Part 1Overviewof . . . Library Computer Resources

  5. There are 2 types ofLibrary computers:1 - EUREKA (character-based)2 –Research Stations

  6. They are color-coded Yellow signsdenote the faster character-based version ofEUREKA catalogthat indexes the CSUS Library holdings. Greensigns mark theweb-based Research Stations.Theyopen to the Library Home Page where you can access over 80 databases including: EUREKA, PHAROS, periodical indexes and librarians’ subject page. They also access the World Wide Web.

  7. CSUS LibraryInformation Access Policy • Research Stations are provided for academic and scholarly research. • Priority for CSUS students,faculty& staff. • 30 minute limit imposed. • Library monitors them and restricts use when warranted: no chat, no games, no personal e-mail.

  8. Part 2Common Elements in ... Database Searching

  9. Library Database Types • Most have searchable fields that are“bibliographic.” They give you a citation and/or abstract to a book or journal article. You must then locate the journal or book at CSUS or use Interlibrary Loan. • A growing, number of databases are “full text” that have articles that can be downloaded to disk, printed or even emailed.

  10. You can usually search by the following database fields: • Keywords within the entire record • Author • Title of article or book • Subject headings • Source or Periodical Title • Keywords within an abstract of an article • Keywords within the Full-text of an article

  11. Editorial policy and review process. Come from published sources. Signed articles written by experts. Usually longer. Articles often have footnotes and sources for further study. No one edits the Web Anyone can publish on the web page No expertise needed Library Databases vs. Web pages

  12. You can search anydatabase, if you know: • Menu vs. command language. • Keyword vs. controlled vocabulary. • Boolean search language. • Proximity searching. • Limiting. • and...

  13. READ THE SCREEN! READ THE SCREEN if you...

  14. Help screens • Most databases provide screens with detailed instructions on how to search most effectively. • IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO READ THESE HELP SCREENS FIRST BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR SEARCH IN A NEW DATABASE !!! • Clues to look for:Guide, ? Help, Search Tips.

  15. Boolean or Logical Operators • AND requires both terms appear in the items that are retrieved. • ORrequires either term appear in the items that are retrieved. • NOTexcludes a term.

  16. Boolean Search Strategy aANDb a b familyand violence aOR c a c familyordomestic aNOTb a b familynot violence

  17. Proximity Searching • Family-violence (phrase) • Family w/ 2 violence (within 2 words) • Family w/ s violence (within same sentence) • Family w/ p violence (within same paragraph) • Family pre/1 violence(precedes word by 1 word)

  18. Advanced or Guided Searching • Frequent searchers who are familiar with a database may choose the Advanced or Guided Search mode. • This usually allows boolean searching in Fields using a pull down menu. • Most Web-based databases provide an advanced search mode as well.

  19. You can email search results! • Most databases and catalogs allow you to mark your search result list and either print the file or send it as an email message. • You can then copy and paste the citations into your word processing document and save yourself from typing your bibliography. • This works for both citations and full-text articles.

  20. READ THE SCREEN! READ THE SCREEN Don’t forget !

  21. PrintSmart Laser Printers • Effective March 1, 2001 all labs and Library public terminals will print to laser printers called “PrintSmart”. • Each full-time CSUS student will have $5.00 credit on their OneCard per semester for 100 free copies. After that the regular OneCard cash account is debited for copies. • Old dot matrix printers will be removed.

  22. Part 3Remote Access to . . . Library Computer Resources

  23. CSUS Remote Access: • Anyone can access EUREKA and the Library Home Page on the Web. • Only authenticated users can access most CSUS Library Databases.

  24. Authentication • All users who set up Web access through CSUS by establishing a SacLink account are authenticated by their Internet Protocol (IP) address. • CSUS users with other Internet Service Providers (AOL, Prodigy etc.) can now keep their ISP and use our Proxy Server for authentication. • Go to Connecting to Library Databases from Off-Campuspage for instructions (avoid IE 5.5 and IE 6.0).

  25. SacLink is free Internet Access! • Electronic mail (Pine). • Internet resources(CSUSInfo, Telnet, FTP, WWW). • Help screens/documentation in Labs. • Online registration & authentication from any campus lab. • Access from home, office and labs. • Go to: http://www.csus.edu/uccs.

  26. Questions about Computers? • Ask lab assistants. • If you forget your SacLink Account or Password go to: University Computing and Communication Services at 278-7337, or go to Sequoia Hall (Science) 322.

  27. ? When you have a library database question, who are you going to ask? A librarian ! LJG 3/19/2002

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