Using the Library's Online Databases

Good strategies

07/15/2009

~ jfilip

This is an awesome tool for people who are not familiar with computer research techniques and shows the best places and ways to find exactly what you're looking for using the library's online database.

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An online database is a searchable collection of information. Databases often contain the full text of articles from magazines, journals, and newspapers, as well as encyclopedias, ebooks, and other authoritative and reliable full-text sources. Most of the content of the databases is not available for free on the Web. The Austin Public Library and the Texas State Library purchase these online databases. The databases are available for your use online at your home or office with an Austin Public Library Card. They are also available on computers at all Austin Public Library locations.

Hello, I am an APL reference librarian. Using the databases takes a little more effort than searching Google, but the results are well worth it. With just a little practice, you will be able to find the information you need from these trusted and reliable sources.

You can link to the database home page from the Austin Public Library home page, The database link is in the “highlights” section in the middle of the first row.

You can also link from the FINDIT catalog,. The link is on the menu bar toward the right.
There is also a link on the Library’s public computers’ home page in the second row of icons

Subject Guide
We’ll start with becoming familiar with the tools and tips on the database home page. Notice the subject guide on the right side of the page. Databases are arranged in subject/type categories to help you select the right database. Subjects range from articles & news to test preparation. If you’re not sure where to begin, selecting a subject category is the way to start.

Under the subject category Articles & News you will see a variety of databases. Under the name of each database is a one- or two-line description of each.

To find out more about the database click the more link. (Factiva) Search tips and other information can be found in the full description.
To access the database click the name of the database in the yellow bar. If you are outside the Library you will be prompted to enter your library card number. You only need to enter your Library Card number once per browser session. The logout button on the database menu bar will usually return you to the database home page.

Tools Menu
On the left side of the screen notice the Tools menu. A-Z list of databases is a quick way to see all the databases APL offers or to go to a favorite quickly. (F for Factiva). Again just click the title in the yellow bar. Since we’ve already entered our Library Card number we won’t be asked for it again this session.

eJournal Finder is a search tool for finding which magazines and newspapers are available in full text in the databases. You can search by title or browse by subject. For instance, we will search “Consumer Reports.” The results show the full-text availability of the magazine. Consumer Reports is available in full text from 1991 to the present in several database. Click the Search within this publication link and type “and refrigerators” in the search box after JN "Consumer Reports". Click the article name to read the full description or simply click PDF Full Text to go directly to the full-text article.

FindIt Plus is a search engine that lets you search selected databases and the Austin Public Library catalog in one search. Search by subject or database. An advanced search is also available. See the Search Tips for help.

There are more than 27,000 eBooks included in NetLibrary. eBooks are electronic version of a printed book that you can read on your computer. You will need to create an account from the Austin Public Library NetLibrary page to access the books from your home or office. The ebooks are included in our catalog. Click on Online Resources to be directed to the book and log on.
See the database help page for frequently asked questions about the databases and tips on using them. If you are having problems accessing the database see question 8 for help.

Call, email, or chat with a librarian with Ask a Librarian! The service is available all hours that the Library is open, and we are happy to help you with the databases and any other informational needs you might have.

Database Home takes you back to the home page.

Key Menu
The Key menu explains the icons used in the database descriptions: The Texas flag denotes a database provided by the Texas State Library, the sheet of lined paper denotes a full-text database, and the APL star means the database is available only in the library and not remotely. Most databases are available remotely so you won’t see that icon often.

Featured Databases
The middle of the database page changes regularly with a different database or databases featured. You can also see past featured databases. A list of popular databases allows you to quickly access our most popular databases. And at the bottom of the page are some quick tips to help you get started.

Let’s take a quick look at some of our popular databases:
MasterFile Premier
Press Display
TumbleBooks

Now you are ready to start exploring the databases. Always access the databases from the Library Web site rather than bookmarking them. All the databases have excellent help pages. Look for them on the database menu bar.