Databases/Index HUNT

For this session, you will research and answer a set of reference questions that focus on the use of the general databases the University Libraries’ access. Next week, we will focus on subject databases. Do NOT use the Discovery tool – I want you to learn about a variety of databases and searching them.  The videos on database searching provide some techniques to use such as field searching, Boolean operators, etc.  As with the other assignments, this assignment provides you with practice opportunities – this time in using the various online databases. Remember, the number of databases you can access are numerous – think simple (e.g., use the list of sources I provide – you probably can get ALL answers with those sources).

In a Word document (.doc), list the question and your PATH and PROCESS for finding the answer. Yes, you will need to highlight the search terms and advanced searching techniques. Provide a screen shot of each of the database searches. Yes, I want to see your capability with using advanced search techniques. Document as much information as possible (e.g., what database you selected (and why), the different search strategies – it may take more than one search to get results, etc.) AGAIN, you are working on becoming an information search master; stretch and use the high-end tools we spend millions on for quality information. Please do NOT use Wikipedia, About.com, or other limited sources.

Make sure to answer the question as well, and note database name, details about the answer, search terms, field narrowing, etc.

For ALL 10 questions, you will need to use online databases resources to answer the questions – zero print sources.  Please do not call or use chat reference to get someone else to complete your homework. Unless absolutely necessary, do not use the same source twice.

This hunt will focus on the following resources. You may ONLY use these sources (no Discovery tool, Google, Bing, etc.):

When I refer to General, it usually means the database is aggregated – it has articles from many subject areas. Next week, we will cover databases that mainly focus on one topic.

General Databases (aka aggregated) and Indexes

Academic Search Complete (Ebsco)

Book Review Digest Retrospective: 1903-1982

Directory of Open Access Journals

Dissertations & Theses

Gale in Context: Elementary – NovelNY (also, Gale Product Menu from Database Finder)

Gale One File Educator’s Reference Complete- via NovelNY

Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints – via NovelNY

Gale Product Menu from Database Finder (browse – there are many options!)

JSTOR

Oxford Reference

Poole’s Index to Periodical Literature – (via Hathitrust)

Readers’ Guide Retrospective (1890-1982)

Internet Databases

ClincalTrials.gov http://clinicaltrials.gov/

FCC Databases  https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/search-fcc-databases

Hiking Project – https://www.hikingproject.com/

IMDB – Internet Movie Database https://www.imdb.com/

World Flag Database  – http://www.flags.net/

QUESTIONS

1. Mayim Bialik, an actress (Blossom, The big bang theory, etc.), is also a neuroscientist. In her dissertation, she cited Couper (actually 2) – can you find the Coupers’ citation?
2. Find the 1932 book review on Karl and Gretel: Children of the fatherland. What does the excerpt note about the Grimm brothers? Provide the review’s citation as well.
3. I love blueberries and learned about a recent (last 5 years) study about this fruit and type 2 diabetes. Can you find a geographically- close (upstate New York) clinical study that addresses the effects of blueberry consumption and type 2 diabetes. What population is the study’s target? Please provide the study’s official title and brief description.
4. I have a student who is writing a short paper (5 pages) on satirical web sources. Can you find a peer reviewed article on the Urban dictionary? What issues arise from this reference source? Please provide the article(s) citation and a screen shot of the search.
5. The use of OER (Open Educational Resources) has become quite popular and saves students money. As I was looking for sources for public health, I came across an open access journal article on the imposter phenomenon and health sciences librarians. Can you find it and provide a citation?
6. As noted in a previous Hunt, I watched Inventing Anna on Netflix, AND we all know I love to dig into the “real” aspects of movies, books, etc. Can you find the article Jessica Pressler wrote about Anna Sorokin for the New York magazine? Please provide a citation and screen shot of your search.
7. Alexis Floyd played Neff in Inventing Anna, a character who wants to be a producer. What has Alexis Floyd produced and in what year? Who was the director?
8. In the late 1990s, I read a book on the radical rhetoric in the United States. It had a very interesting chapter on Joe McCarthy that referenced the Pogo cartoon. Can you find a full text copy?
9. The high school debate team’s current topic is on the current Supreme Court ruling limiting EPA regulations – can you find a good source that would be easy for high schoolers to use and provide perspectives from both sides of the topic?
10. A recent article in Mother Earth News focused on natural garden predators. It provided information on why earwigs may be better for your garden even though they may damage flower buds, especially dahlias.  Can you find it and provide the answer with a citation?