I can research using databases

• I can access the Maine East Library website (and maybe find the page for my class assignment.)

• I can find and choose a good database for my research needs.
  
  • Think about:
    • The research topic
    • Where you are at in your research.
    • What type of information do you need? Are you in search of primary sources, background information, or something else?

• I can log in to access my chosen database with my username and password.

 

• I can craft a quality database search that finds useful results.
  • I can identify the important keywords and search terms for my research
  • I can use the advanced search, and choose the best field to search for my terms in.
  • I use quotation marks around important phrases.
  • If I don't find good results the first time, I refine my search and try again.

 

• I can use filters to limit my search results to find the most useful resources.
  
  • Some filters include:
    • ​Publication date
    • The type of source
    • If the source is peer reviewed

 

• I can evaluate my search results to choose the best ones for my research needs using these criteria:
  • Currency: How timely is the resource and the information within it?
  • Authority: How reliable are the author and publisher on the topic?
  • Accuracy:  How reliable is the information presented in the resource?
  • Relevance: How important and valuable is the resource for your research needs?
  • Purpose: What is the reason the resource exists? How objective is it?  What points of view are included or excluded?

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• I can use tools inside the database resource to create a citation, save the article to my Google Drive, or find language translation options. 

If you find yourself struggling with any of the steps in this process, look for more help in the other sections on this page.
You can also email or chat with Ms. Cochran or Mr. Mather for further help.