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DATABASE ORIENTATION: Introduction: Home Page

A guide to understanding and using the university's databases

Complete The Sections In The Programme By Using The Tabs

   Steps in database orientation
What does this tutorial cover?  
This tutorial provides information about using the library subscription databases for research.
     Section One starts with an introduction to the common features of a database.
     Section Two moves onto creating search strategies to get the best results in databases.
     Section Three is learning about the DelphiS database, a discovery tool that searches across multiple databases.
     Section Four introduces you to your subject databases and the Web of Science database, which has a broad coverage of the sciences, arts and humanities, and social sciences.

 

Why Complete this Tutorial?
    Understanding the common features of a database provides you with the knowledge that is applicable to other databases.
    You will be using more than one database when doing research. Knowing how to use and search in databases can save you time in the research process. 

 

Learning Outcomes  
    After completing the programme you should be able to:
  • Identify keywords in a topic to use for searching in a subject database
  • Determine the correct use of applying search tools to keywords in a subject database
  • Construct a search statement to use in a subject database
 
How long will each section take to accomplish?  
      Each section will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Who do I contact for more information?  
    See you subject guide for more information on databases or email Library Enquires with any questions
Navigating the programme
     Use the tabs in this box to navigate through the tutorial.
Feedback
    Please complete the feedback form when you complete the tutorial.

Updated November 2021. MO

Steps in database orientation
What is a database?

A database is an organised collection of data, which can be facts, statistics and information. What goes into a database is determined by its purpose, subject, and the potential users of the database. What you get out of a database is determined by the way you use it.

This session is about understanding databases and how you can make the most of using them.

Complete the Introduction to Databases PowerPoint. It will download when you select the link. The PowerPoint has audio, so you may need to adjust your volume.

Finished section one? Then, keep going to section two.

Steps in database orientation
Search Strategies
Search Strategies are the way you search in a database. Learn how you can save time by having an efficient search strategy.
First view the Search Strategies tutorial.
It will take you about 10 minutes to complete.
Then take a look at completed mind map and the worksheet below.

image of looking glass over documentsFinished section two? Then go on to section three.

Steps in database orientation
DelphiS database

There are many databases at the university for you to use. DelphiS is a discovery database that uses the EBSCO interface.

Learn more about searching for library resources in DelphiS (in this interactive tutorial). It will take about 15 minutes to complete.

Then view the videos below to learn about the Basic and Advance searching in DelphiS

When you have completed the videos take a look at section four.

Basic Searching on EBSCOhost - Tutorial from EBSCO on Vimeo.

Advanced Searching on EBSCOhost - Tutorial from EBSCO on Vimeo.

Steps in database orientation
 
Below is a short introduction to the Web of Science database

Web of Science was previously called the Web of Knowledge. It provides access to a number of databases including Web of Science Core Collection (covering engineering, science, health, social science, humanities, etc.), BIOSIS (biological & biomedical science) and Inspec (physics, computing, electrical & electronic engineering, etc.). 

1. View  Introduction to the Web of Science tutorial.    The PowerPoint has audio and videos and will take about 15 minutes to complete.  Please note this PowerPoint may appear at the bottom of your screen and you will need to open it.

2. View the  Search Fields in the Web of Science  document to learn the various fields to search in when using the Web of Science database. 

3. Complete the short test below that is a review of what you have learned about the Web of Science database. Choose either the Articulate or MS Forms format.

  Web of Science Test in Articulate format

  Alternative format for Test in MS Forms

4. The transcript for Test Yourself on the Web of Science Database  Transcript in Word format

Please fill out the Feedback form when you have completed the tutorial.

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Do you what to learn more about your subject databases? Then take a look at the Subject Guides.

To view the full tutorials on the Web of Science and other databases, go to your subject guide where you will find the databases specific to your subject area.

To view the tutorial for any subject database, look for the icon  next to the name of the subject database on the subject guide.

(Please first go to the Feedback tab and fill out the Feedback form when you have completed this programme)