This document provides instructions for finding and using databases through the Massasoit Community College Library. It explains that databases contain articles from reliable sources and current information that is valued by professors. It describes how to access the library's databases online and off campus with a barcode. The document gives guidance on selecting an appropriate database based on one's research topic and subject area. Students are advised to use subject listings and ask a reference librarian for assistance in choosing the best database to efficiently find relevant sources.

1. DATABASES
Finding Articles Using the Massasoit Community
College Library’s Databases.

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.