Library Guides: English 251

 Valerie Ehrlich, Instructor
Developed by Gina Haycock, Librarian
URL: http://www.cos.edu/library/libraryguidesehrlich4-06

However, through the Electronic Resources link on the COS Library’s Web Site, a student can locate indexing and many full-text periodical articles regardless of whether the LRC subscribes to the source. Because these indexes are part of what is known as the Invisible Web, that is, proprietary databases, they are available by subscription only; the LRC pays fees so that COS students can use them. If a student is off campus, passwords are necessary to access these databases. Passwords are available for COS students at the COS LRC Information Desk or by calling (559) 737-6179.

Here are some general guidelines to think about before typing anything in the search boxes:

• Allow plenty of time for searching, depending on your topic getting good results may take longer than you think.

• Allow time to read the article before emailing or printing, especially, when doing a key word search, because you may get false hits.

• Choose the most appropriate database for your topic.

• Take time to look at the search screen as a whole and make choices appropriate to your topic or assignment.

• Focus on getting precisely what you are looking for, not how many results you get.

• Use Boolean operators: and, or, not, whenever appropriate or allowed by the software. This option is often available in advanced search.

• Identify key words and possible subject headings and synonyms. For Example:

There is no one "right way" to search in these databases, but if you take some time to think about which database to use and to plan your search terms,  you will save time in the long run. Remember, GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT!

When using an electronic database it is important to know the difference between subject and key word searching. In subject searching, you can begin with broad topics of possibly one or two words, and the indexing will help you to narrow your search.

• Infotrac - Infotrac provides articles from more than 500 scholarly, trade and general-interest publications, as well as references for The New York Times. The databases integrate core titles in every major academic concentration; area  and issue-specific journals; academic journals with application in the professions; and publications with national news coverage and commentary.  The time period it covers is current year to date + the previous 3 years. The optional back file extends coverage as far back as 1980.  (Annual Cost $9,732)

An example of a subject search showing the process of narrowing a search in Infotrac:

Then click on: "Narrow by subdivision"

Then click on the subdivision most appropriate for your topic:

Once you have chosen a subdivision, you can further narrow your search, by selecting "Limit Search" and typing in a key word in the search box:

Another way of searching in index databases is a key word search. The more key words that you enter, the narrower, that is, the more specific the search becomes.

• Academic Abstracts - This database indexes over 950 periodicals from 1984 to the present.  It will identify the periodical titles that the COS Visalia Library owns.  Of the 950 periodicals indexed approximately 480 have the complete text of articles back several years.  (Annual Cost $2,999)

An example of a key word search in Academic Abstracts:

If after using precise key words in your search, you still need to narrow down the results both Infotrac and  Academic Abstracts allow you to limit the search to full-text results and/or scholarly/peer reviewed/referred articles.

A database specializing in current topics is:

• SIRS (Social Issues Research Series) - SIRS contains all full-text articles from a variety of newspaper and magazines covering current social issues.  (Annual Cost $1440)

An example of a search in SIRS is:

If your topic is not one of the topics listed on the first page, you might want to try an advanced search with keywords. When using advanced search, you don't need to use quotes for phrases.

Notice that the results can be separated into magazine or newspaper articles. There is also a link: "Graphics" which can supply charts to support your research.

A database known for its pro and con coverage of controversial issues is:

• CQ Researcher - Your complete source on the most current and controversial issues of the day with complete summaries, all the pros and cons, bibliographies and more. (Annual Cost $523)

An example of a search in CQ Researcher is:

Browsing by topic works well in this well-indexed database.

Be careful to check the dates of the results. There is a wide-range of currency in the results. The results can be sorted by most recent date.

In the advanced search feature you can choose to retrieve only the pro and con sections.

For current issues regarding California and/or local problems, newspaper coverage may be the best choice:

An example of a search in Los Angeles Times (ProQuest) is:

It's a good idea in this database in advanced search to use the "subject" choice for at least one of your search terms.

Broader newspaper coverage  is available in Lexis/Nexis:

• Lexis/Nexis - LEXIS-NEXIS® Academic Universe provides access to a wide range of news, business, legal, medical and reference information. (Annual Cost $5,518) Not available off campus!!!

 Lexis/Nexis usually has the most retrospective online coverage.

This page was created: April 2006   This page was last updated: 11/13/2006
For Questions and Comments, please mail to ginah@cos.edu