Using CCC Library Research Databases

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Using CCC Library Research Databases

• updated august 2010
• Coconino Community College

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What are Research Databases?

• A database is an organized collection of
  information that can be searched based on a
  variety of keywords and subject terms. Online
  databases are available via the internet 24/7.
• Research databases contain thousands of full-text
  magazine, newspaper and scholarly journal
  articles to view, email and print in a variety of
  subject areas. Although the databases are
  accessed through the CCC Library website, they
  are not an Internet source.
• Many library research databases require that
  students have an ID to use them because colleges
  pay for these online resources.
• For more about how databases differ from the
  Internet, visit Databases vs. The Internet

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Where to find the CCC Library Research
Databases?

• From the library website www.coconino.edu/library
  
• (also a Quicklink off the main college website)
• Go to the CCC Online Library Resources page
  http//library.nau.edu/coconinolibraryresources/
• You will be accessing the online library
  resources through a joint CCC/NAU library
  webpage.
• Use your CometID to login from off campus.
• NOTE To access the databases off-campus, use
  your CometID. If you need assistance with your
  CometID, contact the CCC Help Desk at (928)
  226-4357 (HELP) or email helpdesk_at_coconino.edu 

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Crafting your Search

• Write down your research question in Word or in
  a notebook. Then add
• keywords or terms that you might use when
  searching for articles that would
• answer your question.
• Scan articles to find words and phrases to use as
  keywords. Often using technical terms or
  discipline-specific keywords yields more of the
  type of articles you need.
• As you read articles, look for synonyms (similar
  words) and other language that you had not
  previously used.
• View the bibliographic record to find subject
  terms use the subject terms to find similar
  articles.
• Create a search record in Word or on paper to
  record the search terms youve used. Or, save
  your searches in the databases by creating a
  personal account.
• NOTE Using keywords and specific
  subject terms in your search will increase your
  chances of finding relevant search results.
  Start with the broadest terms and then narrow
  your search terms as you go forward.

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Example Keyword List Research Journal
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Using a Databasethe Basics

• NOTE Research databases have differing
  interfaces with features and options located in
  different places. Explore each database
  interface for the best search results.
• Click on the name of the database
• If off campus, enter your CometID and password
• Find the search box
• Enter one of your search terms, usually starting
  with a broad term and then narrowing your topic
  as you discover what subtopics are available and
  interesting to you
• Try the advanced search options to narrow your
  results by date range, peer-review/scholarly
  publications, or to search by subject term.
• Check the database thesaurus to find out what
  terms are used for your topics, this will help in
  finding articles that match your topic area.

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Sample Database Search Screen (EBSCOhost)

• View subject terms or lists of publications for
  each database

• Sign in to save articles in EBSCOhost
• Ask an NAU Librarian
• Databases used in search
• Advanced search options and history

• Related images
• Bibliographic information
• Database information
• Full-text availability

• of results for search
• Peer-reviewed and full-text radio buttons
• Adjust date range of publications

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Search Results

• You will see a list of articles in your search
  results. Search results usually include
  bibliographic information such as the title,
  author, journal or publication title and volume
  number, the date of the article, and the number
  of pages, words, charts and images contained
  within it.
• To read an article, click its title or HTML or
  PDF depending upon what is offered. Most
  databases allow you to email articles to
  yourself, so locate that feature. If full-text
  is not available, you will see the citation
  information only.
• To save articles, click Mark Item or Add to
  Folder. To see the articles you save click
  View Marked Items or Folder.
• NOTE If you want to save articles to a folder to
  view the next time you research in that database,
  you must create an account in the database. These
  are free and easy to use.

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Search Strategies and Saving Your Work

• Email articles of interest to yourself to keep a
  record of your research and to gather all your
  citation information.
• Once you have chosen the specific articles you
  will use in your project you may want to print
  them or copy all relevant bibliographic
  information and quotations.
• Remember to record all of the bibliographic
  information for the article to a Word file or in
  your research notes. You will need this
  information when creating bibliographies and
  works cited pages.
• Some databases allow you to save citations and
  articles in a personal account in the database.
  This is another way to keep track of your
  articles.
• Contact the CCC Librarian for research assistance
  questions.

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Citations and Further Research Assistance

• As you collect your research from CCC online
  databases, you must remember to collect the name
  of the database (i.e., Academic Search Premier),
  and the date you accessed the information. Some
  style guides also require you to include the URL.
  This information will be required for your
  citations.
• Many of the databases the CCC Library offers
  provide citations for the articles you search. Be
  sure to edit and review them on your
  bibliography/works cited page to ensure that they
  are in the correct style format, such as MLA or
  APA.
• Visit the CCC Librarys Documentation page for
  more information on style formats
  http//www.coconino.edu/sa/library/Pages/Documenta
  tion.aspx
• Visit the CCC Library Handouts and Workshops page
  for more research help
• http//www.coconino.edu/sa/library/Pages/HandoutsW
  orkshops.aspx
• Contact your CCC Librarian for more help