Workshop handout

Introduction to Some of Library's Online Resources

Presented by
Anna Daniels and Stephanee, History Section-Central Library
San Diego Public Library

Editorial Note: At the time of this presentation, the Library subscribed to InfoTrac OneFile; we no longer subscribe to that database. As an alternative database, we recommend MasterFILE Premier or ask a Librarian for help in choosing another database. The text below has been revised to remove links or text about databases no longer subscribed to.

This Subject Internet & Technology class will give you an introduction to using and exploring several of our premium online databases and resources.

Introduction
When you leave today, you will know…

• the difference between the online databases and the online catalog
• how to find telephone numbers and addresses in the online database ReferenceUSA
• tips on doing a full-text search in the online database InfoTrac OneFile [no longer available]
• how to find a definition of a medical term and read full-text articles
• on health topics in the online database Health & Wellness Resource Center

You will also know how to connect to the Library's online databases and catalog from any offsite location with Internet access. We will cover PIN numbers and the Library's Web address, www.sandiegolibrary.org --so that you are prepared to start searching today!

Library's Articles & Databases
In the class, we demonstrated the Articles & Databases page, at http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/catalog-databases/index.shtml as shown below.

You may want to browse on this list, and see the three main databases we are going to use today in our class, Health & Wellness Resource Center; InfoTrac OneFile [no longer available]; and, ReferenceUSA.

Health & Wellness Resource Center
Using the Articles & Databases page, select the database.

When you select the database, you will open to the database home page, as shown below.

Figure 4 - Home page, Health & Wellness Resource Center

Next, we'll use the searchbox on the page to find information on "hypertension." We type the keyword "hypertension," and select the Search button on the screen, and we see the results shown below in part.

Figure 5 - Search results, keyword "hypertension"

Note that this REFERENCE search is the default, and found 38 general reference articles in our test search.

The other TABS on the screen show you other magazine articles, pharmacy information, pamphlets, and Web resources. Below is an example of a magazine article page, when we select the TAB for Magazines and Journals. In this example, 10,350 articles were found for "hypertension" in the database. You can read or review these articles online.

Figure 6 - Magazine articles shown, keyword "hypertension"

InfoTrac OneFile [no longer available]

TDNet [Editorial Note: TDNet is now replaced by Serials Solutions, with our Magazines & Journals List. Please see any staff member for help using our Magazines & Journals List.]

ReferenceUSA
The last database we covered in the class was ReferenceUSA. You can find this via the Articles & Databases page.

When you select the ReferenceUSA link, the database opens to the home page, as shown below in Figure 12.

You can select which of the three (3) major databases that are part of ReferenceUSA at this point. These major databases are:

• Business Database - 12 million+
• Residential Database - 120 million+
• Health Care Database - 650,000 health care workers, doctors, etc.

Figure 12 - Reference USA, Home Page

ReferenceUSA - Residential Database
In the class, we demonstrated a search for a person, as shown below in the screen image.

We selected the Residential database via the TAB, and then entered "Bellamy" in the last name search field, and "Albert" in the first name search field. We also picked the state as California.

Figure 13 - Reference USA, Residential Database Search

We used the Search Now! button, and we found one (1) record, a friend living in Escondido. Success! You can find people in this database by names and addresses. Also, you can use this to look up people by phone numbers.

Tip: If you have Internet access, there is some good free information available for some phone numbers and addresses at http://www.switchboard.com/. But, the premium ReferenceUSA database can be use with your Library card ID from any Internet computer as well.

Access to Databases
From home or another computer with Internet access, you can connect to the Library's databases by using the Articles & Databases page. Once you select a database, you will be asked to provide your SDPL Library Card number, and PIN (personal identification number). Unless you have changed it, your PIN should be the last 4 digits of your home telephone number. If your PIN does not work or you have questions, please call or visit any San Diego Public Library location.

For more information about getting a Library Card, please see our information at
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/services/library.card.shtml

Database Help
You can ask any Library staff member for help with our online databases. You can ask them about using them from home or other computers with your Library card ID, and about how to search them for information.

Thanks for coming to our class!