Bibliographic Database Strategies

Since every database (like every search engine) is slightly different, it's always important to keep some tips in mind.

Always make sure you're using the right databases! Find out which ones cover your topic, and make sure to use all of those. If the topic is interdisciplinary, make sure to search the literature in all of those disciplines.
Always read the database documentation before you start your search. This is the "help" file, though it gets called different things. It can save you a lot of time and trouble.
Remember, a good database will let you search for documents by year, author, title, journal title, index terms (i.e., subject) and even by page and issue number. Use these options to your advantage. The database will even help you find the right index terms for your subject.

The Maryville College Library's databases are available at http://library.maryvillecollege.edu/.

Database Tutorials

For every database out there, there are usually at least several hands-on tutorials. Sometimes they're included in the Help or FAQ, and sometimes they're made by other people. Here are some relevant ones for MC's databases.

ERIC

How to Search the ERIC Database (Syracuse University): The MC Library uses the AskERIC interface. AskERIC's searching help is both comprehensive and simple. Common questions are specifically addressed, as are more complete searching problems.

WebSPIRS (MLA and ATLA)

WebSPIRS: is the online version of Silver Platter's citation databases. The Web interface is a little different from the CD-ROMs the library used in the past, but it allows for more flexible access to the information. Currently, MC subscribes to two WebSPIRS databases (MLA and ATLA). Although the content of the two are different, the interface allows them to be searched in similar ways. WebSPIRS offers an online Flash Tutorial. Have patience with the Shockwave special effects. Once you get past the introduction, the content is very helpful. The tutorial describes using Boolean and field searching to find citations. There is also a FAQ, which might also be helpful; This tutorial introduces the MLA database in four easy steps.

FirstSearch

OCLC FirstSearch Guided Tour: FirstSearch is not really a database, but a collection of other databases, many of which have different features. So it's a good idea to find out what your database offers and pattern your search after those features.

JSTOR

Searching the JSTOR Collection: A basic searching tutorial from JSTOR. JSTOR is a full-text digital archive of back issues of many humanitites journals.

InfoTrac Web

InfoTrac Web Tutorial: This tutorial comes from the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, but the interface and most of the databases are the same as Maryville College's.

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This page created by Christopher Ryland 25 August 2000. Last updated 25 August 2000.