What is a database? Why not use Google?

• Databases specialize in certain types of topics

• Databases have tools to limit your search

• Database articles are written by experts

• Database articles include citations you can copy and paste

How can databases be accessed from home?

• You will ALWAYS need a username/password to access the databases from home. It is DIFFERENT than your Lake Park username/password. Click the password image at right to access the most up-to-date usernames and passwords.

How should I search in a database?

• Spell carefully. Try not to use too many words.

• Be sure to search for "full text" articles only.

• Look beyond the initial results. The first page is just a sampling.

• Use advanced search options when possible.

  • Too many results? Try using quotes or connectors like and.

    • Example: "Chilean Miners" and rescue

    • Example: survivor and tsunami

  • Too few results? Try using connectors or or not, Asterisk (*), or Question Mark (?)

    • Example: "drug use" not prescription

    • Example: mathemat* will yield results with mathematicians, mathematics, etc.

    • Example: wom?n will yield results with women or woman

Which database should I use?

• Explora (EBSCO) - A solid general database for research when you aren't sure where to start.

• Biography in Context (Gale) - All about people!

• Modern Genocide (ABC-CLIO) - Sources spanning past and present genocides including memoirs, narratives, and other primary source material.

• National Geographic Virtual Library (Gale) - All issues of National Geographic (ever!).

You can try any of these other databases if you think they'd be a good pick for your project!

Research on the Internet.

Review an updated SIFT presentation with Paige Winter as a research example!