2. In this tutorial you will learn
How to find the Massasoit database page
Why databases may be the best sources for a
project
How to access the Massasoit databases on
campus and off campus
How to select the best database for your research
3. WHY ARE DATABASES USEFUL FOR THIS
PROJECT?
Databases contain material from newspapers,
magazines, scholarly journals, and, sometimes,
books and websites
Databases contain information gathered from
reliable sources
Databases contain current information
Databases are valued by your professors
4. WHERE ARE THESE DATABASES LOCATED?
Find our databases at the Find electronic
resources link on the Library homepage:
5. SELECTING A DATABASE
Our databases are arranged alphabetically and by subject
(note that there is also a trial database link). Use the
Alphabetical List to access a database you know; use the
Subject List when you want to see what disciplines are
covered by our databases:
6. SELECTING A DATABASE
Use the Subject List to choose a database in a
discipline or subject area. For comp 1 research,
News Sources, Academic/Scholarly, or General are
good places to begin a search.
7. SELECTING A DATABASE
Use the Alphabetical List if you know the name of
your database; then select the alpha letter
corresponding to the name of the database. For
example, to use the Opposing Viewpoints database
click on the “O.”
8. USING A DATABASE
Choose the database in the resulting list to access.
Look for a search
box and enter
your topic.
9. USING A DATABASE
For the search topic death penalty, use quotes
around the phrase and add juvenile to narrow the
search. The resulting search string looks like this:
“death penalty” AND juvenile
Fifteen viewpoints and many other usable articles
were in the results:
10. ACCESSING THE ARTICLE
Click on the highlighted link to open the article.
This database offers many features: listening to the
article, printing, emailing, even citing:
11. OFF CAMPUS DATABASE USE
Databases are available off-campus with a Library
barcode.
Register for a barcode in person at the circulation
desk or online from the link on our homepage .
Proof of student status must be provided to register:
In person with a Massasoit ID
By using your Massasoit email when registering online
12. HOW TO SELECT THE BEST DATABASE
Choosing the best database will make your job
easier.
Examine your topic for focus:
What is the main subject of your research?
Do you want your research to be locally focused?
Is there a specific time period involved?
Use the Subject List to select a database. You may be able to
see a connection to your topic here.
Use one of our local newspaper databases, like Boston Globe
Newspaper, to provide local focus.
All databases include current information; but if your topic is a
historical period, see our history databases.
Ask a Reference Librarian for help.
