Finding the Information You Need: Databases Make it prepared by Mira D. Johnson, SLMS

The First Step…. You’ll need a computer with Internet access and a web browser That’s, right?

Why can’t we….. Just use the Internet? That’s the way to find information, right? Well, is it? Which table found better info?

Search EngineS Run the web Search tools that are run by robots (spider programs) Sites are ranked by computers Provide many, many sites—you have to sort through them Give both high-quality and low-quality sites—you have to decidehigh-qualitylow-quality Examples:

DATABASES ARE DIFFERENT A “base” of “data” (non-changing, proven facts) housed on the Web An organized collection of related information An electronic filing system Examples:

ONE WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT: A search engine is simply a machine, a tool. My human mind has to work hard to figure out what to do with all the information I get. A database is a collection of information that has already been collected and organized by human minds. My human mind has less work to do. Aha!

Here is Your DATABASE Portal….

Your Turn…. Using the Grolier Multimedia encyclopedia, see if you can find out how many people the black death killed. Again using the Grolier Multimedia encyclopedia, see if you can find someone who shares your birthday. Try out one of the other databases. Write down which one and one interesting fact you learned from it.

Some searching tips Slow down & read directions. It will save you time. Truly. Use Boolean Operators to refine search. (AND, OR, and NOT)

SEARCH ENGINES v. DATABASES When should I use a search engine? When the info I need is: very current (news headlines) a quick fact (How old is Simon Cowell?) totally strange or needs an extremely wide net in order for me to focus it Simon Phillip Cowell (born 7 October 1959)

SEARCH ENGINES v. DATABASES When should I use a database? When the info I need: Has to be accurate Has to be efficient Has to be in format that I understand Has to be cited easily Answer: Most of the time for school!

REVIEW: HOW DO I USE A DATABASE? Go to the MS/HS Library web site Choose your database Enter your password Start searching It’s that !

Credits Blum, Justin. “Using AND, OR, and NOT (Boolean Operators).” Mathewson- IGT Knowledge Center, University of Nevada. 13 June Accessed 17 Sept “Easy button.” Staples. Accessed 17 September “Europe” EdNet Consultants Accessed 17 September Gil, Paul. “Are ‘Internet’ and ‘World Wide Web’ the same thing?” About.com Internet for Beginners Accessed 17 Sept Microsoft Clipart.