Library Databases Presentation

Library Databases: how to find them, how to search them, and what they have to offer

1. Go to the Latinx Studies Resources website
2. Always access library databases via the library website
3. You will be required to authenticate so that you have access to full text content
4. When working on a research project, it is helpful to have a piece of paper handy so that you may keep a list of the keywords you use when searching

Learn how to find the right database for your assignment or research project

4 major ways to find a database:

1. From the Latinx Library website: Click on the “Key Resources” tab listed in the menu under the webpage title banner. A list of a select few databases will appear.
2. From the Latinx Library website: Look under the “Find Library Resources” column on the homepage. Click the “Scholarly Article Databases: Other” link.
3. From the Latinx Library website:  Click on the “Databases” tab listed in the menu under the webpage title banner. This will take you to the University Library’s A-Z Databases page.
4. From the Latinx Library website “Databases” tab: select a subject in “all subjects” box, which is the leftmost dropdown menu.

Learn how to use databases to find reputable/scholarly resources AND Explore how databases can provide full-text access to resources and other benefits

1. Be aware of the historical use of terms for Latinx Studies. Databases often cover several decades of resources. You will need to keep this in mind when using a term such as “Latinx.”
2. Many of the databases include books, full text journals, magazines, and newspapers. You will be able to sort or limit by type.
3. Tip: select “Advanced Search” since it provides you with more options.
4. Type keywords into the search boxes. Be creative and think of synonyms.
5. When reviewing the results, write down possible keywords you see in the “subjects” or “title.”
6. You can limit or sort your search a number of ways using limiters available in the menu on the lefthand side of the screen (source type, date, full text, peer reviewed).
7. To the right of each item, you will see 3 icons. Quotation marks (“) for cite, and an envelope to email a document.
8. Click on the “Abstract” underneath an article’s title for a summary of the item. Click on the “full text” or “PDF” buttons to the right of the “Abstract” button to get full-text access to an article.
9. Click on full text or PDF buttons underneath the article title to get the entire article for a journal, magazine, or newspaper article. In addition, the right-hand side of screen has helpful icons: “ for the citation, envelope for emailing the document, print, etc.
10. Once you click on a selection/article, the database will give you the entire article. In addition, on the right side you will get a drop-down menu of additional Suggested Sources.
11. Tip: email or download any document you find useful.

Learn how databases can assist with creating citations

1. Oftentimes, the databases will include a link to the citation. Click the quotation mark (“) icon to the right of the article title to access a citation.
2. The citation link will include multiple options for the different citation formats that can be selected from a dropdown menu.
3. They offer you the ability to download or email the citation to yourself or you can copy and paste into a word doc. To email a citation, click on the envelope icon to the right of the article title.

Learn how to search multiple databases at the same time

1. This option is great for multidisciplinary subjects or when you are researching a very specific topic.
2. LLS is very multidisciplinary. Searching multiple databases at the same time saves A LOT of time and provides you with better informed research results!
3. You can search multiple EBSCO (orange bar) or ProQuest (green bar) databases at the same time.
4. A list of databases and an option to search multiple databases is included within each of the databases, and you can select which databases you’d like to search from a list.
5. To search multiple databases, you need to first select a database and log in. You may then select the databases you wish to include in your search.