Locating Sources
Virtual Reference Collection (VRC)
The VRC is a collection of searchable subscription databases. The information in the VRC has been authenticated by experts for authority and accuracy. Primary and secondary documents, full-text articles, indexes, abstracts and multimedia resources are available in all disciplines and multiple languages. Articles not in full-text are available through inter-library loan (ILL) by completing the Ask the Librarian form.
JSTOR
JSTOR contains academic journal articles, books, and primary sources.
JSTOR Primary Sources provides access to multidisciplinary and discipline-specific collections that include select monographs, pamphlets, manuscripts, letters, oral histories, government documents, images, 3D models, spatial data, type specimens, drawings, paintings, and more.
JSTOR Images allows you to search the vast collection of images in JSTOR and browse by one of 16 classifications or by geographical reference.
JSTOR Global Plants is the world’s largest database of digitized plant specimens and a locus for international scientific research and collaboration.
Follow the directions on the Login Information page to access JSTOR Global Plants and to access the JSTOR databases from home.
Database Tutorials
Databases in the VRC Contataining Academic Resources for IB Assignments
Primary Sources
Primary sources are original documents or other materials created by first hand participants or observers to historical or scientific events. Primary sources are a record of these events Primary sources can be found in many of the databases in the VRC as well as JSTOR. The links below provide more information about primary sources and where to find them online.
Search Engines
There are many search engines available that can be used to conduct research on the Internet. You are probably most familiar with the traditional search engines Google, Bing, and Yahoo!. Try the same search using each of these search engines and notice the difference in the results. This is because each search engine works differently. When conducting in-depth research it is prudent to try your search in multiple search engines to ensure the most relevant results.
Advanced Searching
Whenever possible use the advanced search and search operators when using a search engine. With practice the advanced search options will enable you to fine tune searches and get more accurate results.
Some advanced search options:
Metasearch Engines
Metasearch engines use results from traditional search engines to create results. Try the same search using Yippy and see how your results differ. A nice feature in Yippy is that the results are clustered by topic, making it easier to locate the information you need for your research.
Other Useful Search Tools
The Internet Archive which searches digitally preserved captures of internet history by its web crawlers. This is a great way to find information that is no longer readily accessible through traditional searching because it has been removed or no longer being maintained.
Creative Commons Search searches the internet and returns image results that are governed by creative commons licenses. The searches will expand to include open texts, audio, and other media in the future. Using work with creative common licenses helps to prevent copyright infringement when you follow the licensing guidelines assigned to the work.
Wolfram Alpha searches curated data that Wolfram Alpha can use to make calculations in math, science & technology, society & culture, and everyday life.
RefSeek - Academic Resource Search. More than a billion sources: encyclopedia, monographies, magazines.
WorldCat - a search for the contents of 20 thousand worldwide libraries. Find out where lies the nearest rare book you need.
Springer - access to more than 10 million scientific documents: books, articles, research protocols.
Bioline International is a library of scientific bioscience journals published in developing countries.
RePEc - volunteers from 102 countries have collected almost 4 million publications on economics and related science.
Science.gov is an American state search engine on 2200+ scientific sites. More than 200 million articles are indexed.
BASE is one of the most powerful researches on academic studies texts. More than 100 million scientific documents, 70% of them are free
Additional Resources
When searching databases and other resources, full-text articles and other materials may not be freely accessible. To obtain these materials you can request an ILL by using the “Ask the Librarian” feature on the Center Moriches Secondary School Virtual Library.
Search scholarly articles, theses, books, abstracts and court opinions. Results not in the public domain or lacking permission from the copyright holder are excerpted and can be obtained through interlibrary loan.
Search the world’s libraries for books, dvds, cds, and articles. Materials can be obtained through interlibrary loan.
Scholarly journals and databases that provide free access to academic research papers that generally have liberal copyright restrictions through Creative Commons licensing. Be aware that not all OA publications are reputable. Peer reviewed OA journals tend to be more respected and credible.
There are many local colleges and universities that provide access to the digital and print research materials in their collections if you visit in person. Rules differ by institution, so speak to your librarian, check the institution’s website, or call before you visit.
A searchable list of databases available at various Long Island college, university, and other libraries had been compiled to facilitate your research. Long Island Library Database Resource List
Research databases are accessible to anyone with a library card from a Suffolk County public library. If you do not have a library card, contact your local public library or see your librarian for details on how to get a card.
New York state residents are eligible to request a library card from the NY Public Library to gain access to their vast collection of online resources. Applications can be completed online NYPL Library Card