1. Online Databases Why, When and How to Use Them

2. What are Online Databases? Databases (DB’s) are structured collections of records or data that are stored in a computer system. The Internet itself is a vast DB! Databases (DB’s) are structured collections of records or data that are stored in a computer system. The Internet itself is a vast DB! Online DB’s are typically very large and are created by trusted experts. Online DB’s are typically very large and are created by trusted experts. Some are free, like Wikipedia. Most are fee-based and can be very expensive, such as LexisNexis. This type is commonly used by specialists like attorneys or physicians. Some are free, like Wikipedia. Most are fee-based and can be very expensive, such as LexisNexis. This type is commonly used by specialists like attorneys or physicians. You get what you pay for! Fee-based DB’s are more likely to be reliable. In this presentation we’ll be referring only to fee-based DB’s. Free info is fine but we want to be assured of accuracy. You get what you pay for! Fee-based DB’s are more likely to be reliable. In this presentation we’ll be referring only to fee-based DB’s. Free info is fine but we want to be assured of accuracy.

3. Why Should I Use an Online DB? You can save a lot of time. You can save a lot of time. The records will be updated in a timely fashion. The records will be updated in a timely fashion. With a fee-based DB you can trust that the data is accurate. With a fee-based DB you can trust that the data is accurate. With a fee-based DB you can be sure any copyright restrictions are being observed. With a fee-based DB you can be sure any copyright restrictions are being observed. You will be more likely to have access to restricted records than will a casual user. You will be more likely to have access to restricted records than will a casual user.

4. When Should I use a DB? When I want accurate information quickly. When I want accurate information quickly. When I want records that the casual user can’t access. When I want records that the casual user can’t access. When I want impartial data so I can draw my own conclusions. When I want impartial data so I can draw my own conclusions. When I want to study all sides of an issue. When I want to study all sides of an issue.

5. How do I Use an Online DB? Most DB’s work similarly. When you learn how to use one the others will work about the same way. Most DB’s work similarly. When you learn how to use one the others will work about the same way. You usually need a password to login since the user (or a company) pays a fee to access the records. You usually need a password to login since the user (or a company) pays a fee to access the records. Complicated DB’s will have a Users’ Guide or a Help menu to get you started. Complicated DB’s will have a Users’ Guide or a Help menu to get you started. The rules of DB searching follow basic Boolean logic. Click here for more info: Boolean Searching The rules of DB searching follow basic Boolean logic. Click here for more info: Boolean SearchingBoolean SearchingBoolean Searching

6. Let’s get started. MN Public Libraries subscribe to huge MN Public Libraries subscribe to huge DB’s paid for with tax dollars. Anyone with a public library card may use them free of charge. If you don’t have a public library card, please stop by the local Wildwood branch library and get one. It’s quick and easy!