« previous Page 5 of 16 next »
How to Begin Your Search
Your first decision when starting your GALILEO search
You may begin a search several ways in GALILEO:
-
The Browse by Subject option, allows you to select a subject category and subcategory to get a list of databases.
-
From Browse by Type (conferences, newspapers, etc.), you can select a publication type to retrieve a list of databases.
-
From Databases A-Z, you can search a specific database by typing the name of the database or keyword in the Find Database box or selecting the database from an alphabetical database list. (To use this method, you should either be familiar with the database or your instructor or a librarian should have recommended the database.)
-
The Journals A-Z option allows you to search a specific periodical title (newspaper, popular magazine, or scholarly journal) from a browse list or by typing the name of the periodical in the ÒFind JournalÓ search box, or locate a specific article by typing the citation (bibliographic) information in the provided search boxes.
-
You can search multiple databases at the same time from the Search option.
-
From your computer browser, link directly to a database through links created using GALILEO Express Links. (This method is useful if you consistently use the same database or group of databases. As you move into your major area of study, you will recognize a core group of databases that cover your area.)
At various times, you will probably use all of the search options listed above. But whenever you do research in GALILEO, you should be aware that some databases cover only one discipline (art/humanities, science, social sciences), or one or a few subjects, while some databases cover more than one discipline (multidisciplinary) and numerous subjects.
Think about what kind of source you need. A general rule of thumb if you need a scholarly article, try to pick a specialized database. If you need a popular magazine article, pick a general index, described as covering all topics that's where you'll find them. However, more and more, some general indexes, such as Academic Search Complete and Research Library (at ProQuest), include articles from scholarly journals.
Here are some general guidelines to help you decide.
General/Multi Subject Indexes | Subject Specific Categories |
---|---|
|
|
On the next two pages you'll find more detailed descriptions of general (all topics) indexes and subject specific categories, their strengths and weaknesses.
WANT MORE on scholarly article vs. popular?
primary source vs. secondary source?
> Unit 1 > Welcome to the Information Age
« previous Page 5 of 16 next »