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When using a database, it will
be important to explore how the topic figures into academic knowledge,
which is to say, which discipline or disciplines are interested
in this topic.
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For example, a student who chooses
West African drumming might assume that the field of anthropology
would be related to it, but then come to find out that the fields
of religion, dance, and music have something to say about this
topic as well.
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How to Access Research
Databases at Oberlin
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1. |
From the Oberlin
Library's web page, click
on the "Find Articles/Research Databases & Indexes/By
Subject" link.
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2. |
Click on an appropriate subject
category (Agriculture, Anthropology, Art and Architecture, etc.);
scroll through the list, reading descriptions of each database;
click on "(more...)" for additional database information.
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3. |
Select a database appropriate
for your research interests.
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4. |
If you know the title of the
database you want to see, you can select "All Databases/Listed
by Name".
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5. |
Not all indexes are listed on
these pages - just those that are available on the Web. If
you don't see a database suitable for your topic listed online,
ask a reference librarian if there are additional CD-ROM or print
indexes useful for your research.
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How to Select a Research
Database |
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1. |
Decide which subject areas
fit your research topic:
Who would be interested in researching or studying this
topic? What disciplines are most concerned with this topic?
Is your topic related to a specific geographical area?
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2. |
Decide what type or format
of information you need:
What kinds of publications or information sources re most
interested in making this information available? Books?
Journals? Magazines? Newspapers? Research
oriented? Popular? Special interest?
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3. |
Decide what time period you
are interested in: Current?
Historical? Most recent "x" years?
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4. |
Seek a database that most
closely matches your criteria:
- Browse the Research Databases
& Indexes web pages.
- Consult your professor for
recommendations.
- Ask a librarian for suggestions.
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Plan to locate at least six appropriate, useful, applicable
sources on your topic. |