Path of inquiry: What is the difference between a database and the free Internet? What is the best way to find an appropriate database to search? What are the best practices for developing a database search strategy? What database search tools and features might you use to improve your searches?
On Tuesday we had a very informative guest speaker come in, Elizabeth Stephan. She explained to us that a database is essentially a filtered version of the free Internet. Where as the free Internet is accessible and open to any type of information, a database is limited to information that has been reviewed and accepted by a group of knowledgeable (expert) individuals. I find that starting at the library home page and using EBSCO (academic search complete) is a fairly effective way to commence. You can then narrow your search within EBSCO via the many different sub-databases covering genres and subjects that will directly pertain to the information in which you desire. I think to develop a database search strategy include starting with a simple description of your topic (the fewer the words, the more results) and continue to refine from there. On the side bar and in advanced searches you can specify what you do and do not want to show up in your results. Considering a lot of my classes have called for ‘peer-reviewed’ information I find that limitation feature very helpful.
My mentees didn’t respond last week, leaving me with the assumption that they are busy and didn’t need my assistance. I did, however run in to one of them; and she seemed quite confident in the direction that her project was taking.
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