The document provides information on using databases and library resources to find scholarly sources for research. It distinguishes between search engines and library databases, noting that databases contain peer-reviewed scholarly sources while search engines contain more general information. It also describes how to search databases, evaluate search results, determine if full-text of an article is available, and cite sources found in databases. Key tips include using advanced search features, limiting to peer-reviewed results, and utilizing the interlibrary loan system when full-text is not available.

1. Databases & Sources
Learning outcomes:
• Search article databases fluently.
• Distinguish between scholarly and popular
sources.
• Determine if the information discovered is
relevant.
• Modify the search strategy as necessary.
• Cite correctly articles from online databases.
• Export articles into RefWorks bibliographic
manager.
LIBR 250, Section1
Winter 2013 / Terrones

2. Databases: Information “warehouses” that contain
journal, magazine, newspaper articles, and other documents you can use for
your university research assignments. Accessible from campus and off-
campus!
Search Engines Vs. Databases … Which one should I use, when?
http://bastyr.libguides.com/content.php?pid=384087&sid=3148399
“Being an efficient searcher means knowing when to
use what tool. Most published research studies are
protected by copyright and are not available in full text
via the Web.” (Bastyr U. Library Tutorial, 2012)
Bastyr University Library tutorial http://bastyr.libguides.com/content.php?pid=384087&sid=3148399

3. Compare the Difference
Search Engines Library Databases
Contain news articles, current Contain published scholarly
info on many topics, open research, peer-reviewed
authorship, & info that hasn't journal
been formally published. Much articles, dissertations, conferen
of the access is free. ce proceedings, reference
articles. Full-text or Interlibrary
*Use for a quick reference, and Loan access. Paid subscription
as a starting point for info access.
gathering.
*Use for college level research.

4. LMU Library,(2012) Why use the library? http://libguides.lmu.edu/content.php?pid=10084&sid=463217

5. Sources
Peer reviewed
articles, magazines, newspapers, websites, refe
rence sources… What’s the difference?

6. Scholarly vs. Popular
SCHOLARLY
Academic, in-depth peer-reviewed POPULAR
articles, original research by Current events, people stories, aimed for general
experts, bibliographies. audience.

7. Sources
Reference
Background info, definitions, context, understanding concepts,
statistics
Newspaper & Magazine
articles
Current events, people stories, aimed for general audience,
captures history
Scholarly (peer-
reviewed) articles
Academic, scholarly, in-depth analysis, original research written
by experts in the field, peer-reviewed articles, bibliographies
Books & DVDs
Background, historical context, and in-depth information about
your topic, chapters on a topic

8. Searching Databases
Databases will look different but they contain
similar features:
Advanced search boxes
Save, Print, Email, Citing, Export to RefWorks
Limit by Peer-Reviewed.*
Click Find It! to get Full-Text articles.
Evaluate your hits! Do they “fit?”
Peer Reviewed: Professors often ask you to use scholarly (also called "peer-reviewed")
articles. Peer-reviewed means the articles are academic and have been refereed by a
group of experts in the field or discipline.

9. Search boxes
for keyword
combinations
(AND & OR)
Peer- reviewed
scholarly
articles.
Refining by
type of source.
Do we have the
article?

10. Article Availability
Do we have the
article?
PDF & HTML
Full Text

11. Article Availability
Sometimes your article may
be available in another
database where you can get it
in full-text.
When we do not have
immediate access, you
can request articles via
Interlibrary Loan.

12. Sample Article
Do we have the Title
article? Author(s)
Journal, Date, Volume, Pages Tools
Subject Terms
Abstract
Is there a summary of the article? (Tip: Look for the Abstract.) If yes, read
the abstract and determine if and how you can use the article.

13. Evaluate Results
Examine the first page of results.
Do any articles “fit” or relate to your topic?
Identify keywords or concepts from these articles to
further narrow your search.
Try different searches and compare. Use the subject
headings to add to your search terms.
Think about your question. Does it need revision?

14. Citing Elements (4ws) Scholarly Articles from databases
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Name of
Journal, xx, xxx-xxx. Retrieved from http://www.journalhomepage.com OR
doi:10.xxxxxxxxxx
References
Koo, D. J., Chitwoode, D. D., & Sanchez, J. (2008). Violent victimization and the routine
activities/lifestyle of active drug users. Journal of Drug Issues, 38, 1105-1137.
Retrieved from http://www2.criminology.fsu.edu/~jdi/
Senior, B., & Swailes, S. (2007). Inside management teams: Developing a teamwork
survey instrument. British Journal of Management, 18, 138-153.
doi:10.1111/j.1467-8551.2006.00507.x