Comparing the Search Effectiveness... "College and Research Libraries" Preprint

Posted by Celia Walter | 23 May, 2012

Paths of Discovery: Comparing the Search Effectiveness of EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, Google Scholar, and Conventional Library Resources

In 2011, researchers at Bucknell University and Illinois Wesleyan University compared the search efficacy of Serial Solutions Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, Google Scholar and conventional library databases. Using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative data was gathered on students’ usage of these tools. Regardless of the search system, students exhibited a marked inability to effectively evaluate sources and a heavy reliance on default search settings. On the quantitative benchmarks measured by this study, the EBSCO Discovery Service tool outperformed the other search systems in almost every category. This article describes these results and makes recommendations for libraries considering these tools.

This article is scheduled for publication in July 2013

From InfoDOCKET 

Trial database: Gale Virtual Reference Library until 24.05.2009

Posted by Celia Walter | 6 May, 2009
Gale Virtual Reference Library takes research to the next level by delivering great reference print titles you and your patrons rely on in a database format…

Link to the Catalogue of Academic titles in this Gale Library

Note: A user name and password are  required, phone the Humanities Desk (ext 3703) for these.

Please email your comments to Caroline.Dean@uct.ac.za

 or take a couple of minutes to complete a Feedback form before the end of the trial period.

 

 Link to Database Trials page

Trial database: "Global Issues in Context" till 24.05.2009

Posted by Celia Walter | 6 May, 2009
Global Issues in Context

This database offers global perspectives on issues of international importance and current world events and topics in the news related to these issues.

Not a pro and con database, Global Issues in Context is a truly non-U.S. centric resource that ties together a variety of sources to present a rich analysis of issues — providing information seekers with a framework to better understand 21st-century issues and events while highlighting global connections and the interdependence of all nations.'

Trial information:

 Please visit http://www.galeuk.com/trialsite/

 Note. This trial requires a user name and password, contact the Humanities Reference Desk (ext 3703) for these.

The Sixties: Primary Documents and Personal Narratives, 1960 to 1974, free database trial in March

Posted by Celia Walter | 19 Mar, 2009

Free Database Trial for ResourceShelf Readers: The Sixties: Primary Documents and Personal Narratives, 1960 to 1974

The folks at Alexander Street Press are offering a free trial of this new database through the end of the month. Login and Password details below.

From the News Release:

Electronic publisher Alexander Street Press [has] announced the release of The Sixties: Primary Documents and Personal Narratives, 1960 to 1974, the first online collection of primary sources to document the key events, trends, and movements—as well as the look and feel of everyday life—in 1960s America.

When complete, the collection will contain 150,000 pages of cross-searchable content, including thousands of artifacts from “hidden” archives and other materials not available anywhere else. The collection includes a wide range of interviews—with the Beatles, the Weathermen, commune members, and women beat writers—as well as memoirs and diaries from Vietnam War veterans, civil rights workers, feminists, and regular people caught up in the times. Included are autobiographies of Abbie Hoffman, Medgar Evers, Bill Graham, and Roger Mudd; Civil Rights Commission hearing transcripts; and books documenting the Sixties, such as Like a Rolling Stone, by Greil Marcus; Forever Young: Photographs of Bob Dylan; and The Genius of Huey B. Newton, originally published by the Black Panther Party. Additional content is being added monthly, including political buttons, photographs, news coverage of demonstrations and marches, and rare underground radio broadcasts.

To Access the Free Trial Go To:
http://asp6new.alexanderstreet.com/sixt/

Then, run a search, you’ll be asked for a login and password when you’re ready to access the content.

Login: bringback

Password: thesixties

The free trial is available through March 31, 2009

From The Resourceshelf