Overview of Databases “Overview of Databases” by Annie Knight and Luis Pedroza, Santa Ana College, is licensed under CC BY 4.0 An interactive version of this tutorial is available at http://rms.rsccd.edu/faculty/knight/databases_output/story.html

“Search Box” by You & I Tee is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Introduction This tutorial introduces research databases and how you can use them to find a variety of information sources useful for your research assignments and projects. “Search Box” by You & I Tee is licensed under CC BY 2.0

“Follow Us” by by Monicore is licensed under CCO Many of us use databases on a daily basis ... “Follow Us” by by Monicore is licensed under CCO

Defining Terms But what is a database, exactly? Database: A collection of information stored in an electronic format that can be searched by a computer. (Association of College & Research Libraries, 2013) Citation: Association of College & Research Libraries. “Instruction for Diverse Populations Multilingual Glossary.” Association of College & Research Libraries, http://www.ala.org/acrl/sites/ala.org.acrl/files/content/aboutacrl/ directoryofleadership/ sections/ is/ iswebsite/projpubs/idpdefinitions.pdf. Accessed 20 Jan. 2017.

For example, the database YouTube is a collection of videos organized in such a way that allows you to search for specific videos. Screenshot of “Pro Black Is Not Anit White: Beyonce Formation Review” by Keisha Charmaine is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Whereas the Literature Resource Center database contains thousands of literary analyses written by scholars on a wide variety of literary works (books, poems, and short stories), which you may be assigned to find for an English class.

"Matrix Code" by Comfreak is licensed under CC0 Public Domain And there are many other examples of databases and the different types of information and resources they provide … "Matrix Code" by Comfreak is licensed under CC0 Public Domain

Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx … including all the databases available to you, online, 24/7, through the SAC Nealley Library’s website. Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx

Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx You can search library databases for a variety of information sources, including articles from scholarly journals, newspapers and magazines, e-books, encyclopedia entries, technical guides, position papers on controversial topics, and much more. Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx

Video link: http://youtu.be/WkAPXDuygpU This video demonstrates how to access databases through the Nealley Library’s website. “Accessing Library Databases” by Annie Knight is licensed under CC BY 3.0 Video link: http://youtu.be/WkAPXDuygpU

Types of Information Found in Databases The types of information collected in a databases varies. For example, general databases, such as Academic Search Complete, contain publications and information on most any topic you can think of. Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx

Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx The library also subscribes to a variety of newspaper databases, allowing you to search for and read full text news articles online. Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx

Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx There are also controversial topic databases, including CQ Research and Opposing Viewpoints, that provide information and different perspectives on controversial and popular topics, such as the legalization of marijuana or fracking. Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx

and many other subject areas ... There are also databases designed for research in specific subject areas, including automotive mechanics, literature, nursing … Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx and many other subject areas ...

Subject specific databases support research in the following subject areas and majors taught at Santa Ana College: Auto Tech Business Criminal Justice Education Health History Library Science Literary Criticism Military Nursing Psychology Occupational Therapy Religion Science Sociology

This video provides useful tips for using databases more effectively and efficiently when conducting research. “Quick Tips & Shortcuts for Database Searching” by Vanessa Garofalo is licensed under CC BY 3.0 Video link: https://youtu.be/aWqdF9L4D24

help you with your research … As we conclude this tutorial, here are some takeaways for understanding how databases can help you with your research … "Matrix Code" by Comfreak is licensed under CC0 Public Domain

Library databases are organized collections of information and resources, including articles, e-books, and more, designed to support the scholarly research you will be assigned to conduct for your classes. Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/Pages/FindArticles.aspx

2. SAC students have access to online databases subscribed to through Nealley Library anywhere there is an Internet connection, 24/7. Begin at the Nealley Library website, www.sac.edu/library and select “Find Articles and E-Books” to access the library’s databases. Nealley Library © 2017, http://sac.edu/Library/

3. Use the advanced search options, when possible, to specify your search. EBSCO Academic Search Complete © 2017

4. Your friendly Nealley librarians are happy to assist you with your research! Visit the Nealley Library reference desk or call (714) 564-6708.

Assessment: What did you learn? How can you access the Nealley Library databases? What kinds of information sources can you find using library databases? How can you find out what kinds of information is contained within a specific database? Of all the different types of databases offered through the Nealley Library, which are of particular interest to you considering the topic you’ve chosen to explore this term as well as your academic major? Describe two advanced database search strategies introduced in the tutorial that you think will be helpful when researching your chosen topic and explain why. If you have any questions about using library databases or would like assistance with other aspects of your research, how can you get help?