GED/GSA 579   -----    Database Demonstrations
last update - 09/23/02

Database or WWW Choices:
Please look over the databases and search engines listed below.  Other choices that will be considered can be viewed at the Library Indexes Homepage:  http://www.smcvt.edu/library/resources/databases.htm  
Or  the Subject Guide to Networked Resources:   http://www.smcvt.edu/library/resources/subjectguide/index.htm   


Coverage of Database Demonstrations:

A. Length: 20-30 minutes.  There is only one firm requirement in your database demonstration:  You should give an example search statement on a topic, and demonstrate the best approach to searching that topic within the assigned database. 
Otherwise, you may fill the time in a number of ways.  Going through each evaluation point, giving the class questions to answer, etc. 

B. You should have handouts for the class explaining the purpose of the database and "tips" on how to use it.  Handouts can cover the evaluation criteria of C.

C. Your demonstration should Evaluate the database by the following criteria:

1.  Who is the audience for this database? Purpose, why would a person use this database?

2.  Currency, what years are covered?

3   What Languages, Geographical coverage?

4.  What kinds of materials are indexed? (newspapers, journals, books, film reviews, radio transcripts, etc.)

5.  Access, how does one get to this database/where is it "located?"

6.  How do you use boolean/keyword operators (and, or, not)

7.  What are the truncation and wild-card symbols?

8.  Does the database provide a list of the journals (sources) it indexes?

9.  How do you search by fields?

10. How do you conduct phrase and proximity searches?

11. How do you bring up citations and abstracts of the computer record?

12. Are there Full-Text materials in the database? What percentage? Is the full text in image files (.pdf) files or text (ascii) files?  Is there a fee for accessing full text?

13. Is there a link to libraries that carry the journals or books?

14. Is there a link from search citations to SMC Interlibrary Loan?

15. How do you search by subject or descriptor terms? Is there a print/online thesaurus/subject headings list? What is the "quality" of the subject terms given to an article?

16. Evaluate the database for your needs: Were you successful in your searches?   Was it easy to use? Is it slow?  Give the good and bad points?

17. What institutions would you suggest should buy or use this database?

18. Are the help screens "helpful?"

19. Evaluate the interface?  What is the best method of searching for the beginner user?  What is the best method of searching for the expert user? 

20. Who publishes this database? What organization?

Note:  An Internet search engine will have some additional or different evaluative elements to consider.  You may certainly add your own to the following list.
1.  Is is a "Portal" site.  In other words does it provide email or web pages?  Can you customize the screen to view only what you choose?
2.  Does the site index Newsgroups? Can you limit a search to material type? (software, pictures, video, sound, etc)
3.  Can a searcher use a directory of subject choices to search (like Yahoo).
4.  Is there a filter that restricts content (mature, adult, children, etc)
5.  How many "hits" does the search engine find compared to other search engines
6.  Compare your search engine searches with another search engine.

Look over  the following for further evaluation points -- Search Engine Evaluation  Part I @ http://academics.smcvt.edu/sburks/basic_evaluation_of_search_engin.htm    and Evaluating Search Engine Part II -- Comparing Search Engines @ http://academics.smcvt.edu/sburks/ged_579_comparing_search_engines.htm 

 

***Remember, this is an informal demonstration.  You should consider that your audience (our class) will be seeing the database for the first time.  Make the demonstrations informative and practical for a novice group of users***

Database Choices:

1. Any choices from the database list 
     @ http://www.smcvt.edu/library/resources/databases.htm
2.   Brittanica Online  @  http://www.smcvt.edu/library/resources/databases.htm or World Book
3.   LEXIS-NEXIS UNIVerse (Guest account available. This database has many different databases within it) @ http://www.smcvt.edu/library/resources/databases.htm
4.  Statistical Universe   @   http://www.smcvt.edu/library/resources/databases.htm
5.   Argus Clearinghouse (WWW Subject Guides) @ http://www.clearinghouse.net 
6.   Profusion (Search engine of the "deep" or "Invisible" web)  @ http://profusion.com/ 
7. Complete Planet @ http://www.completeplanet.com/index.asp Deep/Invisible Web
8. Google (search engine) @ http://www.google.com/
9.   Ask Jeeves (search engine) http://www.askjeeves.com/
10. Medline  @  http://www.smcvt.edu/library/resources/databases.htm