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Databases

Databases & Online Research

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • How do I access online databases?

    • Most databases and other resources, like NoodleBib, will detect when you are using the Grier Network and automatically log in.
    • If you are off Grier's network, you will need a username and password.
    • Contact the librarian to get these usernames and passwords.
  • What is a database?

    Databases are Web-based resources that primarily provide users with access to periodical literature, including magazine, newspaper, and journal articles along with other documents that often cannot be found on the regular Web. Some databases also include reference literature, such as dictionaries, almanacs, and encyclopedias.

    Some databases are general and cover all kinds of topics, while others are subject specific.

    Databases are updated frequently by professionals and experts; information from them is considered credible.

    Each database allows users to email, print, and cite the article they are viewing. Some databases allow users to translate the articles into other languages or stream mp3 audio versions of the text.
  • When should I use a database for research?

    Use a database when you are:

    • Researching a current event
    • Seeking recent information
    • Wanting information from scholars or professionals in a particular field
    • Seeking multiple viewpoints on a topic
    • Want credible, up-to-date information on a topic
  • Why should I use a database?

    In a library, the librarian selects materials that provide students with credible information. "Credible" means that the author did his or her research properly and can provide readers with true FACTS. On the open Internet (what you can get by going to Google or Yahoo or MSN), there is information on anything you can imagine. The problem is that you must carefully judge what information is CREDIBLE, and what is FALSE.

    You have to ask questions like:

    • Who made this web page? Are they an expert on the topic?
    • Where did they get their information? Do they list books and articles they used?
    • Why did they make this page? Are they trying to sell me something? Are they trying to persuade me to believe something?
    • When did they get their information? Is it up-to-date?
    The good news is that when you use an online library database, the information is from reliable sources. You can trust it. This is partly because all the articles and pictures and information that get put into a database have been reviewed by an editor. Plus, sometimes your teachers don't want you to use regular Web sites, so it's good to use electronic databases then, too. The electronic databases make it easy for you to cite articles. Don't know how? Ask the Librarian to show you!

    ANOTHER WAY TO LOOK AT IT
    Who can put information up on the Internet?
    Everyone! You, me, and that online troll who believes the earth is flat.

    Who can write a published book that will go in the library? Who can write a newspaper article that gets put into an electronic database?
    Not everyone. Only a few people who have done their research.

    What about Wikipedia?
    For a lesson on the strengths and weaknesses of Wikipedia, check out this short video: 

Britannica School

Gives teachers and student instant access to four complete encyclopedias and other resources that ensure consistency with classroom topics and age-appropriate language. Subjects: All

Go to Britannica School

Classroom Video on Demand

Facts On File and Films Media Group are proud to present their comprehensive new Classroom Video On Demand subscription service, a compilation of Films Media Group's best high school-level video content spanning the core subject areas. The Master Curriculum Collection, with 9,300 titles / 120,300 segments. Multimedia database classroom use. Subjects: All, Teacher Resource

Go to Classroom Video on Demand

EBSCOHost

EBSCOhost is an intuitive online research platform used by thousands of institutions and millions of users worldwide. With quality databases and search features, EBSCOhost helps researchers of all kinds find the information they need fast.

  • Academic Search Premier
  • Middle School Search
  • History Reference Center
  • Points of View Reference Center
  • Science Reference Center
  • GreenFILE
  • MEDLINE
  • Associated Press Images Collection
  • Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia
  • e-Journals
  • Newswires
  • OpenDissertations
  • eBook Collections
  • Teacher Reference Center

Explora

Explora is EBSCO’s research interface designed specifically for students and educators. The secondary school version features relevant and reliable content and easy-to-use functionality to help high school students successfully complete their research.

Go to Explora

eLibrary

The ultimate easy-to-use curriculum and reference resource delivers comprehensive periodical and digital media content designed for K-12 schools and libraries. Includes more than 2,000 full-text magazines, newspapers, reference books, and transcripts, plus thousands of pictures, maps, educator-approved websites from Homework Central, and also audio/video content. As of October 2012, there are 93 million documents in eLibrary. Subjects: All

ProQuest Learning Literature (part of eLibrary Curriculum Edition)
Offers a comprehensive integrated literary reference resource for original full-text works, author biographies, literary criticism, and more.
Subjects: English, Literature, ESL

History Study Center (part of eLibrary Curriculum Edition)
Delivers thousands of primary and secondary sources covering ancient to modern US and world history.
Subjects: History, Social Studies

Go to eLibrary

Gale Virtual Reference Library

Access many searchable nonfiction and reference eBooks on a variety of topics. These titles are also listed in the library’s catalog Destiny and you can click the link directly from the catalog record to access the contents of the eBook.
Subjects: All

InfoBase eBooks

Enjoy the benefits of anytime, anywhere access to high quality, grade-appropriate research materials with this eBook collection. This collection is fully-integrated into Destiny, so you can find books from this collection when you do a regular search in Destiny. Subjects: All

POWER Library

Provides access to thousands of full-text periodical articles, newspapers, a major encyclopedia, plus photographs, pictures, charts, maps, and reference materials for all ages. Subjects: All

Databases in POWER Library include:

  • Academic OneFile
  • AP Images
  • Books & Authors
  • Business Insights
  • Contemporary Authors
  • CyberSmarts
  • eBooks on EBSCOhost
  • EBSCO
  • Gale Topic Collections
  • GVRL
  • General OneFile
  • GREENR
  • Health and Wellness Resource Center
  • InfoTrac Newsstand / Student Edition
  • LitFinder
  • Research in Context
  • Science Reference Center

Go to POWER Library
NoodleTools includes integrated tools for note-taking, outlining, citation, document archiving/annotation, and collaborative research and writing. Developed for schools, this software allows students to work collaboratively in real-time and allows teachers the ability to monitor students' progress and leave feedback.

Go to NoodleTools
Find ebooks and audiobooks in Sora! 
Login with your Destiny username and password.

Go to Sora.

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