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Library Guides: Child Development 39 and 42
Becky Griffith, Instructor Here are some general guidelines to think about before beginning your research in the library and before typing anything in the computer database search boxes:
Searching for Books COS Library Books can be located by accessing the Online Book Catalog through the library website or through specified computer terminals located in the library. The three ways to search for books in the database are: simple search, browse search and power search as described below.
Using Simple Search (Keyword Searching) An example of how you might use key word searching is the Opposing Viewpoints Series. This series of books is designed to present both sides of an issue. Each volume consists of material drawn from books, magazines, newspapers, and position papers. FOR and AGAINST articles are placed back to back in sections outlining a particular aspect of the main topic. You must check the index at the front of the volume to see which section best suits your topic. Since call numbers vary, search for the KEYWORDS "Opposing Viewpoints" in the Simple Search section of the COS Online Book Catalog for selections and location as seen below.
Using Browse Search (Subject/Category Searching) In addition you can look for books on just your particular subject by going to Browse Search. See the example below on interracial adoption.
The screen below shows that there is 1 subject heading on interracial adoption and 3 subheadings. The number to the right under hits indicates how many books the library owns under each subheading. Click on each heading to see the individual book records and to locate the call numbers.
SEARCHING PERIODICALS INDEXES AND DATABASES For 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. The library subscribes to approximately 35 indexes: Index Title Holdings and 380 periodicals: Magazine Title Holdings and Newspaper Title Holdings. These are physically available in the Periodicals Department on the first floor of the LRC. 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 Library 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 Library 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 Library Information Desk or by calling the Library at (559) 730-3824. 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. SUBJECT SEARCHING 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. These words must be part of the specific vocabulary used in the subject index. A good example of this type of searching is in the database InfoTrac:
Let's consider the question: Does marriage improve living standards for children? Subject Guide is highlighted one the menu bar below and marriage has been typed in the entry box.
This screen shows all the subject headings that have the word marriage in it. We are going to select the first subject Marriage and click on the Narrow by Subdivision button.
This screen shows a portion of the subdivisions listed under the Subject Heading Marriage. The subdivision Economic Aspects should provide some good articles on living standards.
Here is a small number of the total citations in the results list.
For a more in depth use of INFOTRAC try our Tutorial : How to find journal articles in databases. KEYWORD SEARCHING Another way of searching in databases is key word searching. The more key words that you enter, the narrower, that is, the more specific the search becomes. A good example of this type of searching is:
An example of a search in SIRS is: "teen abstinence" typed in the search box below as a keyword phrase using quotes "". Also Keyword/Natural Language has been selected rather than Subject Headings.
Click on the article titles below to view the full-text article.
A database known for its pro and con coverage of controversial issues is:
An example of a KEYWORD search for ABSTINENCE in CQ Researcher is:
The first title listed is: Encouraging Teen Abstinence
This is the Abstract of the Abstinence article. The entire article can be viewed in sections or by Full Report.
One section is called Pro/Con and is shown in the screen below.
Common attributes in all of these periodical databases are.
Interlibrary Loans For copies of articles or books not available in full-text format and not owned in paper format in the COS Library Periodicals Department may be available through the Interlibrary Loan Process. Forms to request articles and books through Interlibrary Loan are at the Periodicals Counter and the Reference Desk. You are visitor number:
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