UNIV 106: Searching Databases
Download as PPTX, PDF1 like319 views
This document provides guidance on navigating research databases and the research process. It outlines the typical 4-5 step research process as 1) picking a topic, 2) determining where to search, 3) developing search strategies, 4) finding relevant articles, and 5) writing the paper. It also describes some key academic databases for multi-subject research and tips for accessing full-text articles not available directly, including using Mason Links, journal finders, the library catalog, and interlibrary loan. Basic search techniques are covered, such as using Boolean operators and excluding common words.
UNIV 106: Searching Databases
- 1. Navigating the research DatabasesUNIV 106
- 2. What are the 4 steps in the Research Process?1. Pick a topic2.3.4.5.6. Write the paper
- 3. What are the 4 steps in the Research Process?Pick a topicWhere to search (databases)How to search (keywords)How to get it (find the article)Is what I’ve got any goodWrite the paper
- 4. Pros & Cons of Research Databases
- 5. Where to Start SearchingAcademic Search CompleteMulti-subject database that covers a both scholarly and popular journals
- 6. ProQuest Research LibraryMulti-subject database that covers a both scholarly and popular journalsSubject DatabasesSearch topic more in-depthSpecialized journals not in general databasesNot as many “off-topic” resultsUnique search optionsNot sure where to start?Research Databases by SubjectInfoGuides—Find Articles/Core Databases
- 7. Getting the Article…Step 1: Is the article available full-text in the database? No. Then follow these steps.Step 2: Mason Link Step 3: Go to the E-Journal Finder if no Mason LinkStep 4: Mason Library CatalogStep 5:WRLC Consortium Loan ServiceStep 6:Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
- 8. HKANDRRHKBasic Search Concepts: Connecting Your Search TermsHurricane Katrina AND rebuilding*Do Not Use:an, for, in, of, the, with*Other search options
- 9. Let’s try searching…Start at library homepage http://library.gmu.eduClick on Research DatabasesChoose the category Basic TopicsChoose Academic Search Complete from listFollow along with the librarian’s search example
Editor's Notes
- #5: Pros & Cons:More specialized searchingNot every database has the same search optionsBetter for current topics (vs. books)Same database may change its look (ex: JSTOR)More recent information (shorter publishing time)Refining your search can be complicatedInterdisciplinary & subject databasesNot always intuitive Many articles are full-textNot every article is full-textFree access as Mason students
- #10: Search Academic Search Complete OR ProQuest Research Library You can try using the earlier search example of Hurricane Katrina AND rebuilding Or feel free to use your own search example Highlight the basics: refining searches, trying different search terms, getting the article, etc. Show search page of subject-specific database if time allows in order to show pros & cons