Database Use
Academic databases are still the primary way to locate scholarly resources. Therefore, students need to learn how to effectively use these tools. Academic databases often do not work the same way as web searching. Therefore, different skills must be acquired for successful search results. Students will deepen their information literacy skills through their understanding of Boolean operators, subject terms, and other advanced search methods.
A Primer on Databases and Catalogs: When instructing on databases it is important to start at the beginning. Many students have heard the term "database," but have never fully understood what it means. A Primer on Databases and Catalogs defines a database and provides the foundation students need to be successful users of academic databases. The learning object was chosen for inclusion in the digital library because of its focus on the basics. Instructors can use this digital learning object to introduce the topic of databases.
Basic Database Searching Techniques: Having a handout for students to reference is important to help them remember skills taught in class and is the reason for this object's inclusion in the library. The tips addressed in the learning object are ones that instructors will address in class when discussing how to effectively use a database. This reference tool can be a link in a learning management system for referral by students.
Boolean Operators: Georgia State University Library and the University of Auckland have made this YouTube video available. This video was selected for its clear description of Boolean operators. It includes demonstrations on how to use Boolean operators in a database and provides visuals for the learner. This video can be shown in class and followed up with practice searches by the students.
Database Checklist: Key Academic Resources Both Free and Restricted: There are an enormous number of databases available. An instructor will quickly be able to point students to the ones provided by the university or college, but it can be more difficult to list open access databases. The reason for the site's inclusion in the library is because it provides a list of sixteen reputable open access databases. A teacher can refer to this guide to tell students about freely available databases.
Database Search Tips: In this video, the staff of the Dowling College Library provide a quick overview of database search tips such as sentences, quotes, punctuation, subject terms, and truncation. The video was selected for its concise summary of database search tips. The video can be used as a way to introduce advanced search practices.
Database Search Tips-Wildcard and Truncation Symbols: Wildcard and truncation are likely new concepts to the undergraduate researcher, which is why this learning object was selected for the digital library. This visual aid can be used to help remind students of the symbols to use when conducting a wildcard or truncated search. Instructors can use the image during a lecture or link to it in a learning management system.
Keywords and Subject Headings- Two Ways of Searching: William Badke, the author of Research Strategies, created a Prezi presentation about using keywords and subject headings. The presentation is current and visually appealing. Lecture material can be enhanced through the use of this object. The object was selected because Prezi presentations often keep the interest of students.
SEEK! The Search Skills Game: A card game is a great way to introduce an active learning strategy in class. Database search tips are addressed in the game. The unique approach to learning was the reason for its selection in the digital library. It can be played during class as a way to get students thinking about research and the best ways to conduct searches.
Basic Database Searching Techniques: Having a handout for students to reference is important to help them remember skills taught in class and is the reason for this object's inclusion in the library. The tips addressed in the learning object are ones that instructors will address in class when discussing how to effectively use a database. This reference tool can be a link in a learning management system for referral by students.
Boolean Operators: Georgia State University Library and the University of Auckland have made this YouTube video available. This video was selected for its clear description of Boolean operators. It includes demonstrations on how to use Boolean operators in a database and provides visuals for the learner. This video can be shown in class and followed up with practice searches by the students.
Database Checklist: Key Academic Resources Both Free and Restricted: There are an enormous number of databases available. An instructor will quickly be able to point students to the ones provided by the university or college, but it can be more difficult to list open access databases. The reason for the site's inclusion in the library is because it provides a list of sixteen reputable open access databases. A teacher can refer to this guide to tell students about freely available databases.
Database Search Tips: In this video, the staff of the Dowling College Library provide a quick overview of database search tips such as sentences, quotes, punctuation, subject terms, and truncation. The video was selected for its concise summary of database search tips. The video can be used as a way to introduce advanced search practices.
Database Search Tips-Wildcard and Truncation Symbols: Wildcard and truncation are likely new concepts to the undergraduate researcher, which is why this learning object was selected for the digital library. This visual aid can be used to help remind students of the symbols to use when conducting a wildcard or truncated search. Instructors can use the image during a lecture or link to it in a learning management system.
Keywords and Subject Headings- Two Ways of Searching: William Badke, the author of Research Strategies, created a Prezi presentation about using keywords and subject headings. The presentation is current and visually appealing. Lecture material can be enhanced through the use of this object. The object was selected because Prezi presentations often keep the interest of students.
SEEK! The Search Skills Game: A card game is a great way to introduce an active learning strategy in class. Database search tips are addressed in the game. The unique approach to learning was the reason for its selection in the digital library. It can be played during class as a way to get students thinking about research and the best ways to conduct searches.