Part #6: Using the Online Library Databases at the Gangwish Library
- What is an online article database?
- How do you choose an appropriate online database for your discipline?
- What are some searching concepts and techniques that are common to most databases?
- How do you find full-text, scholarly, peer-reviewed of articles in the databases?
Part #6 Readings
Biddix,J. P. & Park, H. W. (2011). Convenience or credibility. A study of college student research behaviors. The Internet and Higher Education, 14: 175-182. Retrieved from http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Han_Park/publication/222036119_Convenience_or_credibility_A_study_of_college_student_online_research_behaviors/links/00463536b910ab0212000000.pdf
Activity
- Go to Ebscohost on the Online Library Databases page on the OU Portal
- Explore the Ebscohost Databases by choosing a database related to your discipline and choosing a Boolean search that combines two terms with AND e.g. tsetse fly AND lifecycle\
- Choose your databases by checking the boxes next to them and clicking ‘enter’
- Enter your search in the search box using Boolean Logic
- Limit your search results to “full-text” and “peer-reviewed” journals
- Perform a keyword search (by not choosing anything)
- Perform a subject search (by choosing Subject from the “select a field” dropdown menu)
- Click on the help button and under “Searching” find Proximity Searches” and “Wild Card and Truncation Symbols”
- Choose two full-text articles and checkmark them
- Open the folder on the blue area in Ebscohost
- Email your articles to yourself with the style of citations you want to receive
Discussion/Reflection
- How would you search strings?
- Were you happy with the searches you created? What did you find?
- Was there anything new you learned about searching the online databases?
- Are there other databases outside Ebscohost that provide resources related to your discipline?