1. The presentation covered how to use the school library databases like WebCat, SIRS Knowledge Source, and Gale PowerSearch to research topics. 2. It provided steps for conducting searches, including using keywords or subject headings and limiting searches. Advanced search options were also discussed. 3. Attendees took notes on the material and had discussions in pairs about when print books may be better than online sources and advantages to subject searching over keyword searching in databases.

1. Ms. Doyle, District Librarian

2.  Please get ready to take notes
 Write down words and
phrases in red
 At the end of presentation,
you will have notes A-J

3. A. Objectives:
1. Use WebCat to locate a book on your subject
in the school library
2. Use SIRS Knowledge Source and Opposing
Viewpoints/Gale PowerSearch to find
information on your topic

4. B. Steps
1. School Home Page

5. 2. Library Home Page

6. 3. Enter keywords for the topic you are
researching
4. Limit by school
5. Click Search Everything

7. Use just 1-3 words, NOT your whole
question. Try different words and
phrases until you find the best one for
your search.

9. Be sure to
check the
copyright
date to
make sure
the book is
not too
old.

10. 6. Use
cross
references
to find
more
search
terms.

11. Take about 2 minutes to talk with the person
next to you about the following questions.
Write brief answers in your notes.
1. Why might using a print book be better than
using the Internet or a database for this
project?
1. Why might it be better to use online sources
instead of a book?

12. 1. In keyword searching, you use any words that
come to mind. The computer finds them
anywhere in the article.

13. 2. In subject searching, you use the exact words
that the catalogers use. The computer finds
these phrases only in the subject field.

14. Which kind of search finds more results?
Hold up one finger if you think it is
1. Keyword search
Hold up two fingers if you think it is
2. Subject search

15. Which kind of search finds more relevant
results?
Hold up one finger if you think it is
1. Keyword search
Hold up two fingers if you think it is
2. Subject search

16. Think about your research topic.
Brainstorm at least 6 keywords you
could use in your search. Write the
keywords in your notes now.

17.  Find Gale PowerSearch and SIRS Knowledge
Source on your bookmark
 Circle the web addresses
 Draw a box around the login and password
for each one
 Next to Gale PowerSearch, write “includes
Opposing Viewpoints”

18. F. How to Find the Databases
1. Go to your school website
2. Click “Library” in the menu, then choose Library
Home Page
You can also find link to database passwords on Library Home Page (must log in to Edline)

19. Scroll down to find Databases
Look for Controversial Issues

25. Includes
newspapers, magazines, reference
books, and more

26. Notice Content Types:
Magazines show up in first
search, but you can switch
to journals, books, etc.
Related Subjects: These are
the subject headings!
Document Types:
Narrow your search (to just
articles, for example)

27. Using the
Advanced Search
option lets you
decide EXACTLY
what you want.
Use one of your
subject headings,
the term AND ,
and then your
other subject
heading

29.  Turn to the person next to you. Figure out
whose birthday happens first this year.
 The person with the first birthday will explain
to the other person why it’s helpful search by
subject (rather than keyword) in a database
 Describe at least 2 advantages to using a
subject search

31.  In your notes (I), write one thing you learned
today
 In your notes (J), write one question you still
have
Share questions now or email
doylem@loswego.k12.or.us