Paraprofessional Training

1. Introduction
   1. Introduction of class members and instructor.
   2. Ask questions as we go along.
   3. Structure of class.
   4. Why use a database instead of an internet search?
   5. The subject oriented databases will be covered in other classes.
      
      
2. Accessing electronic products
   1. Electronic Resources: http://www.youranswerplace.org/lanmenu/
   2. “Remote access” requires library card in good standing.
   3. Read “Help,” “Users Guide,” “FAQ” and “Search tips” to learn more.
      
      
3. Magazines, News and Newspapers
   1. Newsbank:
      1. Databases and content.
         1. Photos only in Special Reports
         2. No paid ads.
      2. Use of Boolean operators AND, OR & NOT.
      3. Search a newspaper.
      4. Search an obituary or death notice.
   2. Proquest:
      1. Overview of databases.
      2. Overview of search methods.
      3. Newspaper Direct Press Display – 60 day back issue access in a format that looks like the newspaper.
   3. EBSCO:
      1. Overview of EBSCO services and databases.
      2. Wildcards, truncation and proximity.
      3. Search Academic Search Elite and Masterfile Premier databases.
      4. Special features: “find more like this,” spell check and translate.
      5. To store items for a future session, sign into “My EBSCO.”
      6. Visual search.
      7. Lists of titles within each database: http://www.epnet.com/titlelists.asp.
   4. Galenet:
      1. Overview of databases.
      2. Demonstrate “advanced search” in “General OneFile.”
      3. Demonstrate a power search in multiple databases.
      4. Discuss search techniques.
         1. Use keyword to search the first 200 words.
         2. Use full text to search the entire document.
         3. Use of Control and “F” to find a word within a document.
      5. Limit search to “Gale Virtual Reference Library” database.
      6. Search “Biography Resource Center.”
         
         
4. Social Issues
   1. Opposing Viewpoints:
      1. Demonstrate a search.
      2. Show toolbox.
   2. SIRS (Social Issues Resource Series) – Social sciences, including Pros & Cons.
      1. All full text.
      2. Easy to find graphics.
      3. Additional databases include today’s news and historical maps.
         
         
5. Reference
   1. AP Multimedia Archive database.
      1. Content includes photos, test, audio and graphics.
      2. Demonstrate a search.
   2. H. W. Wilson databases:
      1. Overview of databases.
      2. Search “Readers Guide” databases.
   3. Reference USA – residential:
      1. Overview of residential databases.
      2. Search U.S. Residential database.
   4. Testing Databases
      1. LearnATest.com.
      2. Testing and Education Reference Center.
         
         
6. Supplemental readings and Homework.
   

 

Revised February 7, 2008 ccs/SCCCLD