Information Literacy Assignment:
Using EBSCOhost Database

Task:

For your proposed research topic, write a list of keywords or search terms you might use to search for information about this topic. Locate articles on your particular topic by selecting EBSCOhost from the "Quick Links" pull down menu on the library home page. On the resulting page, click "Academic" and select Academic Search Premier.

Conduct initial searches using the keywords and terms from your proposed list.

  • The default search setting for Academic Search Premier is a basic search.  Begin a basic search by entering keywords. Separate multiple terms with Boolean operators such as AND, OR, NOT.  For a more precise search, click the "Advanced Search" tab on the top bar.  The "Advanced Search" screen allows you to combine terms, search in specific fields and offers several limiting options (e.g...limits by publication type, language, journal or document).  To fully appreciate the richness of this database and to search it more efficiently, click the "Help" tab.
  • List all the terms searched, and the number of relevant articles returned.  For example, "I used the advanced search - green buildings AND college - to find information about green buildings on college campuses." This search yielded numerous relevant articles.
  • Locate at least five of these articles by viewing the PDF or HTML full-text online, or by clicking the orange "Search for Full Text" icon and following the prompts to locate the article texts. How many of your articles are available via full-text online? How many of these articles are located in Ramsey Library's collection? Are any of the articles available from ASU or WCU?
  • List bibliographic information for five articles that you might want to use for your research.

Purpose:

  • Provides practice in using an electronic periodical index to access information.

  • Teaches the mechanics of searching.

  • Provides practice using a bibliographic citation style.

To complete this assignment, it will be helpful to review the following information:

Adapted from Memorial University Libraries Ideas for Library/Information Assignments, Memorial University of Newfoundland, (c)2004.

Questions?

Confused about searching the EBSCOhost database?  Ask a librarian for help at the Research Support Desk (251-6111).

 

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Comments to the Library Web Team. Last updated 9 February 2009.

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