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UPLift is designed to work with Microsoft Office 2007 If required a viewer can be downloaded from here To interact with UPLift view as a Slide Show
This section of UPLift is aimed at all students It builds on the core skills section helping you to make more effective use of the University of Portsmouthrsquos specialist databases For example it will help you to devise search strategies for complex projects and use advanced search features effectively
Perhaps you know how to do some of these things already Take the short quiz to find out
Perhaps you need to develop a particular skill Take the link to find out more
If you would like some more help click on the Help button otherwisemove to the next page using the arrow icon
Developing Skills
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Click on QampA to link to a short quiz to see if you can do the basics of this skill
Click on the icon to find links to information guides video clips etc to help you develop this skill
Move between slides by following the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen
Tick the box when you have completed the quiz
First of all select Slide Show then From the Beginning
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Skill Can I do this Find out more
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Limit searches using lsquofieldsrsquo
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Skill Can I do this Find out more
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Suggest when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Rob wants to use his time effectively He needs to start researching his dissertation over the holidays but he also wants to spend time surfing Hersquos trying to remember the advice the librarian gave him about planning his search before going online to do it
Robrsquos got a long train journey ahead what might he begin to consider about searching for information for his dissertation
Robrsquos got a long train journey ahead what might he begin to consider about searching for information for his dissertation
Try to think about it before turning over Try to think about it before turning over
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
On Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the followingOn Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the following
ConceptsPeopleGeography
Dates
Meaningful concepts ndash computers donrsquot understand
Alternative spellings ndash colourcolor
Synonyms ndash femalewoman
Alternative endings ndash MarxMarxism
Decide what terms to search togetherDecide what terms to search together
What if you get too fewWhat if you get too few Think of broader terms instead of teaching spaces try university buildings
How should you combine themANDOR NOT Phrase
Consider which words might give you too many resultsConsider which words might give you too many results
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Analyse research topicAnalyse research topic
Maybe think of narrower terms
Turn those into keywords or phrasesTurn those into keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Top tips on searching effectively
Search for phrases use ldquordquo ldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquoldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquo
Use keywords not sentences ampconsider alternative spellings
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
Combine words withldquoBoolean Logicrdquo
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
Or use advanced search optionsOr use advanced search options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
What do you think Click on an answerWhat do you think Click on an answer
b) Its not necessary to go beyond the basic search
Hmmm advanced search I wonder if thatrsquos more difficult to use than the
basic search
a) Thatrsquos for PhD students and librarians
c) Its useful to help you get more relevant search results
a) Librarianrsquos use advanced
search because its their job to
know how to make the
databases find relevant results
ndash but you can do it too
b) Most databases are fairly sophisticated these days and give
you relevant results but you often get too many Try the advanced
option next time and use it to help you think about your topic more carefullyc) Yes you can specify publication dates
whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
c) Yes you can specify publication dates whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
An advanced search allows you to search more effectively On some databases you will find an advanced search option For an example click hereOther databases offer you the opportunity to refine your results after you have tried an initial search For an example click here
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Decide what kind of information you wantDecide what kind of information you want
Within a particular date (publication date) rangeWithin a particular date (publication date) range
In a particular languageIn a particular language
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
You can even specify a particular publication You can even specify a particular publication
Look out for search help features ndash some features vary between databases
You are prompted to combine keywords or phrasesYou are prompted to combine keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Click on QampA to link to a short quiz to see if you can do the basics of this skill
Click on the icon to find links to information guides video clips etc to help you develop this skill
Move between slides by following the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen
Tick the box when you have completed the quiz
First of all select Slide Show then From the Beginning
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Skill Can I do this Find out more
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Limit searches using lsquofieldsrsquo
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Skill Can I do this Find out more
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Suggest when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Rob wants to use his time effectively He needs to start researching his dissertation over the holidays but he also wants to spend time surfing Hersquos trying to remember the advice the librarian gave him about planning his search before going online to do it
Robrsquos got a long train journey ahead what might he begin to consider about searching for information for his dissertation
Robrsquos got a long train journey ahead what might he begin to consider about searching for information for his dissertation
Try to think about it before turning over Try to think about it before turning over
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
On Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the followingOn Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the following
ConceptsPeopleGeography
Dates
Meaningful concepts ndash computers donrsquot understand
Alternative spellings ndash colourcolor
Synonyms ndash femalewoman
Alternative endings ndash MarxMarxism
Decide what terms to search togetherDecide what terms to search together
What if you get too fewWhat if you get too few Think of broader terms instead of teaching spaces try university buildings
How should you combine themANDOR NOT Phrase
Consider which words might give you too many resultsConsider which words might give you too many results
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Analyse research topicAnalyse research topic
Maybe think of narrower terms
Turn those into keywords or phrasesTurn those into keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Top tips on searching effectively
Search for phrases use ldquordquo ldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquoldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquo
Use keywords not sentences ampconsider alternative spellings
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
Combine words withldquoBoolean Logicrdquo
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
Or use advanced search optionsOr use advanced search options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
What do you think Click on an answerWhat do you think Click on an answer
b) Its not necessary to go beyond the basic search
Hmmm advanced search I wonder if thatrsquos more difficult to use than the
basic search
a) Thatrsquos for PhD students and librarians
c) Its useful to help you get more relevant search results
a) Librarianrsquos use advanced
search because its their job to
know how to make the
databases find relevant results
ndash but you can do it too
b) Most databases are fairly sophisticated these days and give
you relevant results but you often get too many Try the advanced
option next time and use it to help you think about your topic more carefullyc) Yes you can specify publication dates
whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
c) Yes you can specify publication dates whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
An advanced search allows you to search more effectively On some databases you will find an advanced search option For an example click hereOther databases offer you the opportunity to refine your results after you have tried an initial search For an example click here
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Decide what kind of information you wantDecide what kind of information you want
Within a particular date (publication date) rangeWithin a particular date (publication date) range
In a particular languageIn a particular language
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
You can even specify a particular publication You can even specify a particular publication
Look out for search help features ndash some features vary between databases
You are prompted to combine keywords or phrasesYou are prompted to combine keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Skill Can I do this Find out more
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Limit searches using lsquofieldsrsquo
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Skill Can I do this Find out more
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Suggest when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Rob wants to use his time effectively He needs to start researching his dissertation over the holidays but he also wants to spend time surfing Hersquos trying to remember the advice the librarian gave him about planning his search before going online to do it
Robrsquos got a long train journey ahead what might he begin to consider about searching for information for his dissertation
Robrsquos got a long train journey ahead what might he begin to consider about searching for information for his dissertation
Try to think about it before turning over Try to think about it before turning over
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
On Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the followingOn Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the following
ConceptsPeopleGeography
Dates
Meaningful concepts ndash computers donrsquot understand
Alternative spellings ndash colourcolor
Synonyms ndash femalewoman
Alternative endings ndash MarxMarxism
Decide what terms to search togetherDecide what terms to search together
What if you get too fewWhat if you get too few Think of broader terms instead of teaching spaces try university buildings
How should you combine themANDOR NOT Phrase
Consider which words might give you too many resultsConsider which words might give you too many results
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Analyse research topicAnalyse research topic
Maybe think of narrower terms
Turn those into keywords or phrasesTurn those into keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Top tips on searching effectively
Search for phrases use ldquordquo ldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquoldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquo
Use keywords not sentences ampconsider alternative spellings
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
Combine words withldquoBoolean Logicrdquo
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
Or use advanced search optionsOr use advanced search options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
What do you think Click on an answerWhat do you think Click on an answer
b) Its not necessary to go beyond the basic search
Hmmm advanced search I wonder if thatrsquos more difficult to use than the
basic search
a) Thatrsquos for PhD students and librarians
c) Its useful to help you get more relevant search results
a) Librarianrsquos use advanced
search because its their job to
know how to make the
databases find relevant results
ndash but you can do it too
b) Most databases are fairly sophisticated these days and give
you relevant results but you often get too many Try the advanced
option next time and use it to help you think about your topic more carefullyc) Yes you can specify publication dates
whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
c) Yes you can specify publication dates whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
An advanced search allows you to search more effectively On some databases you will find an advanced search option For an example click hereOther databases offer you the opportunity to refine your results after you have tried an initial search For an example click here
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Decide what kind of information you wantDecide what kind of information you want
Within a particular date (publication date) rangeWithin a particular date (publication date) range
In a particular languageIn a particular language
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
You can even specify a particular publication You can even specify a particular publication
Look out for search help features ndash some features vary between databases
You are prompted to combine keywords or phrasesYou are prompted to combine keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Skill Can I do this Find out more
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Suggest when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Rob wants to use his time effectively He needs to start researching his dissertation over the holidays but he also wants to spend time surfing Hersquos trying to remember the advice the librarian gave him about planning his search before going online to do it
Robrsquos got a long train journey ahead what might he begin to consider about searching for information for his dissertation
Robrsquos got a long train journey ahead what might he begin to consider about searching for information for his dissertation
Try to think about it before turning over Try to think about it before turning over
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
On Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the followingOn Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the following
ConceptsPeopleGeography
Dates
Meaningful concepts ndash computers donrsquot understand
Alternative spellings ndash colourcolor
Synonyms ndash femalewoman
Alternative endings ndash MarxMarxism
Decide what terms to search togetherDecide what terms to search together
What if you get too fewWhat if you get too few Think of broader terms instead of teaching spaces try university buildings
How should you combine themANDOR NOT Phrase
Consider which words might give you too many resultsConsider which words might give you too many results
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Analyse research topicAnalyse research topic
Maybe think of narrower terms
Turn those into keywords or phrasesTurn those into keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Top tips on searching effectively
Search for phrases use ldquordquo ldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquoldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquo
Use keywords not sentences ampconsider alternative spellings
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
Combine words withldquoBoolean Logicrdquo
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
Or use advanced search optionsOr use advanced search options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
What do you think Click on an answerWhat do you think Click on an answer
b) Its not necessary to go beyond the basic search
Hmmm advanced search I wonder if thatrsquos more difficult to use than the
basic search
a) Thatrsquos for PhD students and librarians
c) Its useful to help you get more relevant search results
a) Librarianrsquos use advanced
search because its their job to
know how to make the
databases find relevant results
ndash but you can do it too
b) Most databases are fairly sophisticated these days and give
you relevant results but you often get too many Try the advanced
option next time and use it to help you think about your topic more carefullyc) Yes you can specify publication dates
whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
c) Yes you can specify publication dates whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
An advanced search allows you to search more effectively On some databases you will find an advanced search option For an example click hereOther databases offer you the opportunity to refine your results after you have tried an initial search For an example click here
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Decide what kind of information you wantDecide what kind of information you want
Within a particular date (publication date) rangeWithin a particular date (publication date) range
In a particular languageIn a particular language
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
You can even specify a particular publication You can even specify a particular publication
Look out for search help features ndash some features vary between databases
You are prompted to combine keywords or phrasesYou are prompted to combine keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Rob wants to use his time effectively He needs to start researching his dissertation over the holidays but he also wants to spend time surfing Hersquos trying to remember the advice the librarian gave him about planning his search before going online to do it
Robrsquos got a long train journey ahead what might he begin to consider about searching for information for his dissertation
Robrsquos got a long train journey ahead what might he begin to consider about searching for information for his dissertation
Try to think about it before turning over Try to think about it before turning over
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
On Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the followingOn Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the following
ConceptsPeopleGeography
Dates
Meaningful concepts ndash computers donrsquot understand
Alternative spellings ndash colourcolor
Synonyms ndash femalewoman
Alternative endings ndash MarxMarxism
Decide what terms to search togetherDecide what terms to search together
What if you get too fewWhat if you get too few Think of broader terms instead of teaching spaces try university buildings
How should you combine themANDOR NOT Phrase
Consider which words might give you too many resultsConsider which words might give you too many results
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Analyse research topicAnalyse research topic
Maybe think of narrower terms
Turn those into keywords or phrasesTurn those into keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Top tips on searching effectively
Search for phrases use ldquordquo ldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquoldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquo
Use keywords not sentences ampconsider alternative spellings
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
Combine words withldquoBoolean Logicrdquo
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
Or use advanced search optionsOr use advanced search options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
What do you think Click on an answerWhat do you think Click on an answer
b) Its not necessary to go beyond the basic search
Hmmm advanced search I wonder if thatrsquos more difficult to use than the
basic search
a) Thatrsquos for PhD students and librarians
c) Its useful to help you get more relevant search results
a) Librarianrsquos use advanced
search because its their job to
know how to make the
databases find relevant results
ndash but you can do it too
b) Most databases are fairly sophisticated these days and give
you relevant results but you often get too many Try the advanced
option next time and use it to help you think about your topic more carefullyc) Yes you can specify publication dates
whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
c) Yes you can specify publication dates whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
An advanced search allows you to search more effectively On some databases you will find an advanced search option For an example click hereOther databases offer you the opportunity to refine your results after you have tried an initial search For an example click here
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Decide what kind of information you wantDecide what kind of information you want
Within a particular date (publication date) rangeWithin a particular date (publication date) range
In a particular languageIn a particular language
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
You can even specify a particular publication You can even specify a particular publication
Look out for search help features ndash some features vary between databases
You are prompted to combine keywords or phrasesYou are prompted to combine keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
On Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the followingOn Robrsquos long train journey he might consider the following
ConceptsPeopleGeography
Dates
Meaningful concepts ndash computers donrsquot understand
Alternative spellings ndash colourcolor
Synonyms ndash femalewoman
Alternative endings ndash MarxMarxism
Decide what terms to search togetherDecide what terms to search together
What if you get too fewWhat if you get too few Think of broader terms instead of teaching spaces try university buildings
How should you combine themANDOR NOT Phrase
Consider which words might give you too many resultsConsider which words might give you too many results
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Analyse research topicAnalyse research topic
Maybe think of narrower terms
Turn those into keywords or phrasesTurn those into keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Top tips on searching effectively
Search for phrases use ldquordquo ldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquoldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquo
Use keywords not sentences ampconsider alternative spellings
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
Combine words withldquoBoolean Logicrdquo
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
Or use advanced search optionsOr use advanced search options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
What do you think Click on an answerWhat do you think Click on an answer
b) Its not necessary to go beyond the basic search
Hmmm advanced search I wonder if thatrsquos more difficult to use than the
basic search
a) Thatrsquos for PhD students and librarians
c) Its useful to help you get more relevant search results
a) Librarianrsquos use advanced
search because its their job to
know how to make the
databases find relevant results
ndash but you can do it too
b) Most databases are fairly sophisticated these days and give
you relevant results but you often get too many Try the advanced
option next time and use it to help you think about your topic more carefullyc) Yes you can specify publication dates
whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
c) Yes you can specify publication dates whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
An advanced search allows you to search more effectively On some databases you will find an advanced search option For an example click hereOther databases offer you the opportunity to refine your results after you have tried an initial search For an example click here
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Decide what kind of information you wantDecide what kind of information you want
Within a particular date (publication date) rangeWithin a particular date (publication date) range
In a particular languageIn a particular language
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
You can even specify a particular publication You can even specify a particular publication
Look out for search help features ndash some features vary between databases
You are prompted to combine keywords or phrasesYou are prompted to combine keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Devise effective search strategies for more complex needs eg dissertations
Top tips on searching effectively
Search for phrases use ldquordquo ldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquoldquofemale gazerdquo ldquoJohn Waynerdquo
Use keywords not sentences ampconsider alternative spellings
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
theatre (theater)photo (searches photo photography photographer photographic etc)
Combine words withldquoBoolean Logicrdquo
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
AND articles containing information about both cats and dogsOR articles containing information about either cats or dogsNOT articles containing information about cats but not dogs
Or use advanced search optionsOr use advanced search options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
What do you think Click on an answerWhat do you think Click on an answer
b) Its not necessary to go beyond the basic search
Hmmm advanced search I wonder if thatrsquos more difficult to use than the
basic search
a) Thatrsquos for PhD students and librarians
c) Its useful to help you get more relevant search results
a) Librarianrsquos use advanced
search because its their job to
know how to make the
databases find relevant results
ndash but you can do it too
b) Most databases are fairly sophisticated these days and give
you relevant results but you often get too many Try the advanced
option next time and use it to help you think about your topic more carefullyc) Yes you can specify publication dates
whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
c) Yes you can specify publication dates whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
An advanced search allows you to search more effectively On some databases you will find an advanced search option For an example click hereOther databases offer you the opportunity to refine your results after you have tried an initial search For an example click here
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Decide what kind of information you wantDecide what kind of information you want
Within a particular date (publication date) rangeWithin a particular date (publication date) range
In a particular languageIn a particular language
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
You can even specify a particular publication You can even specify a particular publication
Look out for search help features ndash some features vary between databases
You are prompted to combine keywords or phrasesYou are prompted to combine keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
What do you think Click on an answerWhat do you think Click on an answer
b) Its not necessary to go beyond the basic search
Hmmm advanced search I wonder if thatrsquos more difficult to use than the
basic search
a) Thatrsquos for PhD students and librarians
c) Its useful to help you get more relevant search results
a) Librarianrsquos use advanced
search because its their job to
know how to make the
databases find relevant results
ndash but you can do it too
b) Most databases are fairly sophisticated these days and give
you relevant results but you often get too many Try the advanced
option next time and use it to help you think about your topic more carefullyc) Yes you can specify publication dates
whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
c) Yes you can specify publication dates whether you want to find peer reviewed (scholarly) articles Sometimes you can
specify articles that contain charts or images or even the language and broad
subject of your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
An advanced search allows you to search more effectively On some databases you will find an advanced search option For an example click hereOther databases offer you the opportunity to refine your results after you have tried an initial search For an example click here
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Decide what kind of information you wantDecide what kind of information you want
Within a particular date (publication date) rangeWithin a particular date (publication date) range
In a particular languageIn a particular language
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
You can even specify a particular publication You can even specify a particular publication
Look out for search help features ndash some features vary between databases
You are prompted to combine keywords or phrasesYou are prompted to combine keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
An advanced search allows you to search more effectively On some databases you will find an advanced search option For an example click hereOther databases offer you the opportunity to refine your results after you have tried an initial search For an example click here
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Decide what kind of information you wantDecide what kind of information you want
Within a particular date (publication date) rangeWithin a particular date (publication date) range
In a particular languageIn a particular language
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
You can even specify a particular publication You can even specify a particular publication
Look out for search help features ndash some features vary between databases
You are prompted to combine keywords or phrasesYou are prompted to combine keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Conduct an advanced search on relevant databases
Decide what kind of information you wantDecide what kind of information you want
Within a particular date (publication date) rangeWithin a particular date (publication date) range
In a particular languageIn a particular language
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
Within a particular subject area Be aware that some disciplines may overlap for instance art and cultural studies
You can even specify a particular publication You can even specify a particular publication
Look out for search help features ndash some features vary between databases
You are prompted to combine keywords or phrasesYou are prompted to combine keywords or phrases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
A search for lsquowikipediarsquo on the database Business Source Complete found 831 resultsYou can see that along side the search results is a panel which will enable you to find more relevant articles
Search resultsSearch resultsRefining optionsRefining options
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Your tutor might ask you to find recent scholarly articles relating to Wikipedia as a social media resource Click here to discover what you can do to improve your results
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Check the Scholarly Journals box Check the Scholarly Journals box
Slide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start dateSlide the date ruler along until 2011 appears as the start date
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click the Subject menu is there a relevant term listed eg social media
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Click this box to reveal how that has reduced the number of search results Now you need only read the relevant articles
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Link out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following questionLink out to the EJS e-journals database to answer the following question
Pull down this arrow to discover what is meant by the following abbreviations
From the advanced search page
(This means that the keywords you enter in the search box will only be searched for within those specific lsquofieldsrsquo)
TIAUSOTX
TIAUSOTX
Reveal the answer
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Article titleAuthorJournal name (Source)All text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Limit searches using fields
Many databases allow you to specify which fields you would like the database to search Eg The databasewill only look in the articlesrsquo keyword listsThis is a useful wayof focussing yoursearch Sometimessearching for wordsin the full text of anarticle can be overwhelming
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
DatabaseDatabaseDatabaseDatabase
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a database
I use this resource when I want a quick overview of academic research on a particular topic
I use this resource when I want to search trade and professional journals and magazines as well as academic sources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify when to use Google Scholar and when to use a databaseGoogle Scholar is a variant of Google which searches specifically for academic material including articles books conference papers and preprints (early versions of journal articles) and other scholarly works Some of the journals and databases provided by the University Library are linked to results in Google Scholar so it is useful as a ldquoquick and dirtyrdquo search for immediately available online articles
If you come across a cluster of results from a particular library database always repeat the search within the database itself Databases improve the precision of your results and you may find items that Google Scholar has missed
Google Scholar has limited access to some library databases and cannot search some of our databases at all
Link to the guide Using Google Scholar to find further details on how to make the most of this alternative search tool
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
II wonder how I can get more
relevant hits on Google Scholar
What would you suggest Alexis try to do
Reveal answer
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
He could go to Settings and set Library Links to link to full text of articles where University of Portsmouth has a subscription
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Try out the Advanced Search which will guide him through some options which will help to define his search thoroughly
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Conduct a basic search in a relevant database or Google Scholar
Most databases contain help pages which are worth looking at if you want to make your searching as efficient and effective as possible
Google Scholar is useful for finding academic or scholarly information on the webOn-campus you will often see links to access the Full Text Portsmouth If you want to know how to set this up off-campus watch this short animation Scholar Settings Library Links
To find out to search Google Scholar effectively have a look at the guide Using Google Scholar
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
This is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on themThis is a result from Google Scholar Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online There are two possible answers Click on them
This option will enable you to see which library resources you can link to and what years are available on lineThere is also a link to the library catalogue so you can see if a printed edition is available ndash this might be useful if the online full text does not include images for example
This option usually links you straight in to the article however from off campus you will have to login before you can view the full text
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Identify how to access the full text of the article either in the Library or online where possible
If the article is not available as a full text link from the database itself you need to see if you can access the article from the Library either in printed format or through an alternative electronic link
The following short animations will show you how to do thisUse these when you want to search via the journal nameFinding Journal Articles Using the Library CatalogueFinding Journal Articles Using the E-Journalrsquos Search
Use this when you want to search via the article titleFinding Journal Articles Using the Discovery Service
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Try again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Here is a section of the Library homepage Click on the link that will enable you to locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
You will know when you have selected the correct
link because an image of the next web page will
appear
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Core Skills
Locate audio-visual resources that are of good quality and have been copyright cleared for educational purposes
The Guide to Audio-Visual Resources will introduce you to some key resources for finding good quality audio-visual resources which have been copyright cleared for non-profit educational purposes You should always refer to the copyright information given on each resource for specific details of how you may use the content
The interactive Mediascape leads you to a-v resources in the library and on the Internet Once again always check copyright information on each site
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
Patty and Elise are working in the library late in the evening They need to locate good quality information sources in their subject area from the library websiteWhere would you advise them to start
Click here for some options
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidanceWhich of the options below would you choose to start your search for good quality information sources in a particular subject area
Click on the option to find out it you are correct
These options are taken from the library homepage These options are taken from the library homepage
Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Yes Information Resources or My Subject are the best options Try againTry again
Try againTry again
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Select and use a wider range of databases without guidance
httpscreencastcomtEmyhYLFH33EhttpscreencastcomtbKGZP52apav
Click on the shapes below to watch 2 short videos demonstrating the difference between finding good quality resources via the Information Resources link and the My Subject link
My SubjectInformation Resources
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
This is a tricky question as there are many different types of databases for example some index scholarly publications others audio-visual resources However there are some circumstances where a database isnrsquot the best source with which to begin your research
Refer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library databaseRefer to the definition of library databases then identify from the options below which sources are unlikely to be found on a library database
Breaking news storyBreaking news story
How to technical manualHow to technical manual
General web pagesGeneral web pages
Historical newspaper articleHistorical newspaper articleJournal articlesJournal articles
ImagesImages
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
What are library databases
A library database is a searchable electronic index which usually contains information about published items
All databases provide sufficient information for you to locate the full text which may be in the University library online or available from another library
Some library databases also include abstracts or summaries of the information
Others also include the full text of the article or source Types of material found using library databases are
Articles from Journals and Magazines Electronic Books Newspapers Images Reference Sources
Click on this shape to link to University
of Portsmouthrsquos Databases
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
Searching for information using
specialist databases
Developing Skills
Understand when databases may not be an appropriate place to search
News worthy event
Weekly Magazines
TV InternetRadio
Same daySame day NewspapersNext dayNext day
Next weekNext week
BooksYears laterYears later
Scholarly articlesMonths laterMonths later
Some databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sourcesSome databases such
as Nexis UK index
news sources
Databases usually
index academic literature
