Library Web Sites

The line between print and electronic resources has blurred as commercial information publishers and providers convert former print resources to electronic format. Computer technology with its ability to quickly store and retrieve information has revolutionized libraries and commercial information providers. The types of resources available are varied, and the tools to dig out good information are as diverse. As the web has matured, and the quantity of information explodes, the tools to dig out and use information have improved as well. If you have not used search engines, or want a refresher on how to query electronic and web resources, scroll to the section on "How to Query Web Engines and Electronic Resources".

Many public and state libraries make commercial database available free to their users. This is where students often find the bulk of research materials for reports.

Commercial databases cover a range of topics, reference formats and content. Most useful to students are pieces by scholars, professionals, and subject specialist. These can originate from research conducted at colleges or research, observations and opinions of professionals and commentators. Some have been published in journals, general interest magazines, or specialized reference works; some are unpublished, such as talks given at professional conferences.

Check with your local public library and ask what resources are available for research. Ask if your library or state has a library consortia for additional resources. Commerical databases may be available from you library's Web Site. When available, libraries tend to provide help in using the resources. Suggestions for database choice bases on topic or age, searching tips, and options for viewing, printing or emailing articles are common.

To find a library near you, check the yellow pages of your phone directory under "Libraries" or browse PublicLibraries.com. PubliLibraries.com organizes links to public libraries in the United States. Select State, then City, and click the library's link to its Web site. Look for a link to Electronic Resources, Databases, Electronic Library, Virtual Library or other link to commercial databases via the Web.

How to Query Web Engines and Electronic Resources

Techniques vary, but overall, the following will get you started. Read Help sections for each resource for more exacting queries. If you don't like reading instruction, just try some of the following and see what works.

Enter a key word or words and press or click GO, SEARCH, START or whatever button is available that starts the search.

Key words tips:

• Try different words if at first unsuccessful.
• Try a phrase. Use quotes — single or double — around a phrase. If the search engine has indexed phrases, your results will be more relevant. If the search engine doesn't use phrases, it might ignore the quotes, or give you nothing. If nothing, try again without quotes.
• Limit or widen the search using qualifiers

Some search engines recognize AND, NOT, and OR qualifiers.

• AND means find articles where both these words are used.
  Example: I don't want everything on pets; I want to know about pets and fleas.
  Query: pets and flees
• NOT means find articles with the first word, but not the second
  Example: I want to know if states besides California have clean auto emissions laws.
  Query: clean auto emissions not California
• OR means find articles with either search term
  Example: I want information on a high protein diet, sometimes-called low carb diet.
  Query: high protein diet or low carb diet