Online Research Resources

What’s the Difference Between Databases vs. Websites?

While online databases and websites are accessed on the Internet, there are some key differences between the two resources. SEE CHART BELOW. When looking for reliable information + other helpful “tools,” we recommend starting research with an online database as one’s first choice. The PGHS/KAMS Library subscribes to EBSCO Databases on a variety of topics; simply type in a subject area and search. If you're looking for general information, a magazine article database such as EBSCO’s Student Reference Center database and its digital encyclopedia is an optimal first place to start research.

Databases	Websites
· Published by reliable companies, like book publishers	· May be published by anyone
· Information comes from professionals or experts in the field	· Information may not be verified or reliable
· No advertising - information is provided by a paid yearly subscription thanks to Principal Meyer & PG site budget	· Advertising banners, pop-up ads, etc.
· Searches can be narrowed using Keywords, Author, Date, Type of Source, etc.	· Broad searches using Keywords only
· Data is updated frequently and includes date of publication	· Often unable to tell when information is updated or if it is current
· FREE to students, staff and parents of PGHS/KAMS Library; must access viahttps://pghs.schoolloop.com/library with user/password from any campus or personal device with internet access.	· Valuable content, like newspaper articles, often requires a subscription or fee

PGHS/KAMS EBSCO DATABASES

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Biography Reference Center - A comprehensive collection of biographies on notable personalities and famous people.
Tutorial: http://support.ebsco.com/training/flash_videos/brc/brc.html
EBSCO Discovery Service - This is an online research tool that “pulls together” almost all of our Library resources so that they can be explored using a single search box. In fact, you could think of EDS as the Library’s version of Google.
Tutorial: https://youtu.be/ZF4IkM8Q0AE
EBSCOhost - Online Magazines, Newspapers, Primary Sources, Biographies, Images & More Teacher Resources - Online Educational Journals
Tutorial: http://support.ebsco.com/tutorials/ehost/
ELL Reference Center - This multi-purpose information resource is designed for middle and high school students and anyone that is new to the English language. Provides access to ELL-specific articles, online practice tests, and much more.
Explora - Simple search that quickly delivers relevant results including articles, essays, and primary source documents to help students feel successful in their research.
Tutorial: http://support.ebsco.com/training/flash_videos/explora/explora.html
History Reference Center - History Reference Center also includes full text for more than 200 leading history periodicals. It features reference books, encyclopedias, non-fiction books, and history periodicals as well as thousands of historical documents, biographies of historical figures, photos, maps, and over 80 hours of historical video.
Tutorial: http://support.ebsco.com/knowledge_base/detail.php?id=5022
Literary Reference Center - An expansive collection of author biographies, plot summaries and work overviews, full-text essays from leading publishers, literary reference books and monographs, cover-to-cover full text for literary magazines and journals, book reviews from the most prestigious publications, poems from hundreds of sources, short stories, classic texts, author interviews, and much more.
Tutorial: http://support.ebsco.com/training/flash_videos/lrc/lrc.html
Novelist Plus - NoveList Plus is the premiere database of reading recommendations available through libraries around the world. It is a comprehensive source of information about books that includes expert recommendations, reviews, articles, lists and more. Designed to meet every student researcher's needs, Science Reference Center contains full text for hundreds of science encyclopedias, reference books, periodicals, and other reliable sources.
Tutorial: https://youtu.be/N4IqNp8q92c?list=PLLqgYj2sU6ypguF_K0WgyEe-YV_RLNbXO
Points of View - Containing resources that present multiple sides of an issue, this database provides the basis from which students can realize and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues and develop analytical thinking skills. Link to the different Points of View Article Topics.
Tutorial:http://support.ebsco.com/knowledge_base/detail.php?id=3287
Science Reference Center - his comprehensive research database provides easy access to a wealth of full-text, science-oriented content.
Tutorial: http://support.ebsco.com/training/flash_videos/scirc/scirc.html

EBSCO DATABASES VIDEO TUTORIALS

Before using any of our EBSCO databases, take some time to watch these video tutorials. They will give you an overview of how to use each database to help you navigate and find the information you need for your research project.

Biography Reference Center Tutorial

EBSCO Discovery Service Tutorial

EBSCO Discovery Service - Improving Your Search Results

EBSCO Host Tutorial

Explora Tutorial

History Reference Center Tutorial

Literary Reference Center Tutorial

Novelist Tutorials

Points of View Tutorial

Science Reference Center Tutorial

Student Research Center Tutorial

SACRAMENTO PUBLIC LIBRARY ONLINE RESOURCES

SPL Library Card
Number & PIN Required

Databases Available from SPL's Online Website:

Biography Reference Center - Find biographies of individuals from around the world.
CultureGrams - Research the history, geography, and culture of countries and states.
Literary Criticism - Find plot summaries, analysis, and criticism on major literary works.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context - Research the pros and cons of hot social issues from a variety of viewpoints.
Student Research Center - Find articles to help with your homework at the high school and middle school level.
Testing & Education Reference Center - Practice tests, courses, and eBooks for SAT, ACT, and other major tests, plus a scholarship and college search tool.
Virtual Reference Library - Reference eBooks with information about animals, health, science, Native American tribes, American decades and literary criticism.

STARTING YOUR RESEARCH -- STEPS TO GUIDE YOU!

Step #1) Watch these videos

Research Video - Part 1
Research Video - Part 2

Step #2) Create some Research Questions to help guide you

Link to Research Question Graphic Organizer

Step #3) Look for Book Resources on our library catalog

Link to Library Catalog

Step #4) Look for information to answer your research questionsusing our on-line databases

Link to EBSCO Databases
(user: pgstudent pswd: pg$tudent2021

Step #5) Compile all your information and write your paper, work on your project, etc.

Link to Purdue OWL Writing Lab

Step #6) Format your paper using MLA format style

Link to Purdue OWL MLA format style website

Step #6) Cite all your sources using EasyBib and create your final "Works Cited" page

Link to Easybib website