finding articles and databases

Finding Informationat an MDC Library:Articles & Databases

Kristy Padron, MLIS

kpadron@mdc.edu

Miami Dade College

Learning Resources – Library

http://www.mdc.edu/learning-resources/libraries/

Finding Articles & Using Databases

What is a database?

In the library field, a database is an online collection of publications such as e-Books, magazines, and journals.

Databases can be used to find articles.

MDC Learning Resources provides databases to MDC students.

Databases can be used on or off campus!

• Go to the MDC Learning Resources home page at http://www.mdc.edu/learning-resources/libraries.

• Select the Libraries link to get to this page.

http://www.mdc.edu/learning-resources/libraries

• To use a database, go the MDC Learning Resources home page and select Articles/Databases.

• Select Databases by Subject to find recommended databases for a subject area.

• Or, go to Databases A-Z for a complete list.

• Since databases are available only to MDC students and employees, authentication is required.

• Your borrower ID is your student number on your MDCard; it has the letter followed by 8 digits (eg., A12345678).

• The PIN is the last 4 digits of your student number.• Select Log In to continue.

• Here is the list of databases.• Scroll down the page or use the A-Z letters to get to a

particular database.

• For general news and journal articles, try Academic Search Complete.

• For reports on specific topics, try CQ Researcher or Opposing Viewpoints in Context.

• Select the name of the database to start a search for articles (we will try Academic Search Complete).

• Enter your topic in the search box. Sometimes, alternate topics may appear.

• Next, select Search.

• A list of articles will appear.• Read the summaries of the article along with its

bibliographic information (name of article, author, journal) to evaluate its usefulness.

• Select PDF Full Text to see an article.

• This is the article. Use the sidebar to turn the pages.

• An article can be printed or saved by using the icons.

Questions? Contact your local MDC campus library!

Kristy Padron, MLIS

kpadron@mdc.edu

Miami Dade College

Learning Resources – Library

http://www.mdc.edu/main/library