|
|
|
Library
Guides: English 251:Current Issues
Academic Electronic DatabasesFor current social issue topics, periodicals (magazines, journals and newspapers) usually are the best source of timely and authoritative information. To find out which periodicals have articles on a given topic, it is necessary to use an index. Indexes are available in paper and electronic formats. Currently, the LRC subscribes to approximately 9 indexes: Index Title Holdings and approximately 250 periodicals: Magazine Title Holdings and Newspaper Title Holdings . These are physically available in the Periodicals Area on the first floor of the LRC. For periodicals that the COS LRC does not have available, there is also the possibility of an Inter-Library Loan with Fresno State University.However, through the Academic Electronic Databases 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. The COS Learning Resource Center makes available to COS students CQ Researcher and SIRS. These databases cover current, controversial issues and provide pro and con arguments. Both databases highlight topics and also provide subject or keyword searching. Both are full-text. CQ Researcher is 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) Tutorial: How to search CQ Researcher effectively. Some special features of CQ Researcher:
SIRS (Social Issues Research Series) contains all full-text articles from a variety of newspaper and magazines covering current social issues. (Annual Cost $1440) Some special features of SIRS:
Here are some general guidelines to think about before typing anything in the search boxes:
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. by choosing a subdivision and also by selecting "Limit Search" and typing in a key word in the search box. Expanded Academic ASAP has very good subject indexing:
Expanded Academic ASAP (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 backfile extends coverage as far back
as 1980. (Annual Cost $9,732)
Tutorial:
How to search Infotrac
effectively. Proquest National Newspapers Core includes: LA Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Christian Science Monitor and The Washington Post.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|