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Databases

Internet

MLA

Handouts, etc.

Databases:

list of Databases by subject

list of Databases by Title

SIRS Knowledge Source

Opposing Viewpoints

EBSCOhost Social Sciences & Humanities

LexisNexis Academic Universe

Writing 121: Sylwester

Instructor: Mary Sylwester
mary.sylwester@pcc.edu 		Ask a Librarian!
Librarian: Allie Flanary
allinee.flanary@pcc.edu 		503/977.4500 Sylvania
503/614.7239 Rock Creek
503/978.5269 Cascade

Database Search Tips

Databases are really literal.

If you type differences between Maori and New Zealand cultures the database will attempt to find articles matching that entire phrase.

Instead, try typing Maori in one search box and culture in another search box. Then do the same for New Zealand.

Remember the full-text box. Otherwise you might find a lot of summaries but no actual articles.

Internet for Free vs. Internet for Fee (you get what you pay for)

Although websites and databases are both electronic resources, the quality of information you get from each can vary wildly.

Google is a great place to find a local plumber but you'll probably have no idea whether that plumber is timely, cheap, or does good work.

Library databases, on the other hand, are useful because all of the information contained within a database has already been checked for quality and authority (well-researched).

There is also great information available for free on the Internet, it just takes a little more work to use it. This Website evaluation checklist will help you to think critically about the information you find on the Internet and whether or not it is useful.

Remember that Google Scholar works pretty much just like Google with the added bonus of only searching scholarly resources.

MLA Citation

Why do we cite our sources? The obvious reason is so that you don't plagiarize and wind up expelled from PCC.. The other reasons may seem less obvious but are really important.

  1. Citations tell your reader (who is often your instructor) that you care about your work. You've been thinking critically, evaluating sources, and culling your list of resources from the best there is. Why not get credit for that?
  2. Citations are something you give your reader out of courtesy. How frustrating is it when you read an article that mentions something really cool but doesn't tell you how to find it? Providing your reader with citations is like saying, "Here, I invite you to learn more."
  3. When you write scholarly papers you are engaged in a conversation with the researchers who came before you as well as those who may come after. Failure to cite your sources is plagiarism, but it's also a lot like cutting yourself off in the middle of speaking. Who wants to be involved in that conversation?
  4. By showing the legacy of thought and research that has gone into your work you help to highlight the quality and validity of your own writing.
  5. People take your writing more seriously. Amongst scholars citations are a sign of authority.

Citation Help

Citation Generators
Remember that citation generators not magic and are sometimes incorrect! It's always a good idea to verify your citation formats in the official manual or another trusted source.

Handouts & Help

Want more help with a particular database? Lost your handout? Try these: