Unit One - Periodical Databases

Periodical databases are a crucial resource for effective research. I believe periodical databases aren’t as initially user friendly as web based searches. However, like most skills, periodical database searching becomes easier through practice. It is a skill that requires a solid foundation of understanding before moving on to more advanced techniques. Beginners should start with simple keyword phrases while advanced students can learn how to refine and/or add depth to their searches.

Learning how to use periodical databases is an important skill to teach in the classroom. As stated above, there are many techniques to craft an effective search. Most students are not likely to practice these skills in their free time. This is one of the many online literacies teachers must develop in their students. It is important students understand the difference between “googling” it and thorough academic research.  

While I had some practice in search techniques, I had never thought about exploring the “about” and “help” section of the databases. I have always treated periodical databases similar to a Google search in that respect. I’d plug in my Boolean search words in the keyword field and cross my fingers. I had never checked which journals my databases used. Also, I realized how helpful the subject lines could be. Instead of trying endless variations of keyword searches, I clicked on related subject terms within appropriate articles. This brought me to a wider pool of articles and helped me refine my search.

The biggest “aha” moment for me during this assignment was realizing you don’t have to go to the library to do basic research any more. While I had done many Lexis-Nexis or Eric searches during my undergrad years, these electronic searches only gave you the citations, not the articles. This meant finding promising article abstracts then trekking through the stacks in the bowels of the library to find the actual article. Then, if the article ended up being what you hoped, which was a 50/50 proposition sometimes, you had to lug the journals to the copier machine, have a pocket full of change and make copies to bring home to your dorm. Now, most of the databases have full text options and you can print the article at home and never change out of your PJs (although I was known to show up at the library in green flannel PJ pants during finals).