Library Research Tutorials

Introduction to Library Databases


This video introduces you to the research databases provided by the library and shows you how access them. After this tutorial, you will

  1. Understand what a library database is.
  2. Recognize the difference between general and subject-specific databases.
  3. Understand where and how to access Dallas College Library databases.
  4. Understand how to navigate the Dallas College Library databases webpage.

Finding Articles in the Library Catalog


This video shows you how to find peer-reviewed articles in the library catalog. After this tutorial, you will understand how to

  1. Search for articles in the library catalog.
  2. Use limiters to limit your results to peer-reviewed journal articles available online.
  3. Set the publication date for your results.
  4. Access and save articles from your results.

Selecting Library Databases


This video give you guidance on selecting the best Dallas College Library database for your research needs. After this tutorial, you will

  1. Understand how to navigate the library databases webpage to locate subject area databses.
  2. Understand how to navigate the library databases webpage to locate databases with particular kinds of resources.

Finding Books and Ebooks in the Library Catalog


This video shows you how to find books and ebooks in the library catalog. After this tutorial, you will understand how to

  1. Search for books by keyword.
  2. Apply relevant filters.
  3. Find a book's location information.
  4. Request an intercollege transfer.
  5. Open the full text of an ebook.

Creating Effective Keywords for Searching Databases


This video shows you how to form effective keywords to search the library's research databases. After this tutorial, you will

  1. Understand what a keyword is.
  2. Understand why properly-formed keywords are essential to successful searches in the library's research databases.
  3. Understand how to create effective keywords.

Understanding and Using Boolean Operators


This video explains Boolean operators and shows you how to use Boolean operators for focused database searching. After this tutorial, you will

  1. Be able to identify the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT.
  2. Understand how Boolean operators are used in database searching.
  3. Apply Boolean operators to narrow or expand search results.