Reflecting on Lesson #8 - Indexes, Abstracts and Databases

While not the sexiest of referencing materials, databases have become an important reference materials in the research process.  Virtually every academic paper I have written at the university level has required me to visit a database of some kind.  I have used EBSCO, ERIC and a number of other databases and periodicals.  As a result, I was able to easily relate to this week’s topic.  In the Riedling chapter she clearly illustrated the purpose and function of periodicals, abstracts and databases.  While I have used all in the past, I did not realize how many different classifications existed.  Without working with these sources in the past, I think the names would have scared me away.  However, due to my own experiences with them, I was able to make connections and note the similarities and differences which existed between them.

I found the activity within the lesson to be very interesting.  When asked to compare a local library database to the school library database I was surprised to see how many different abstracts, indexes and periodicals were in use.  In the local library users had access to EBSCO A-Z, eBooks and a several other materials.  In our school library we have six online encyclopaedias, EBSCO (including 8 separate databases within), Thomas Gale as well as Queen’s Printer of B.C.  This wide variety of databases provides users with access to information relevant to just about any search whether it is regarding science, history, geography, academic papers or the selection of novels.

In my own experiences I have relied heavily on EBSCO and used it with great success.  However, even I did not realize how many indexes/periodicals lay within the full EBSCO Database.  If I, as a teacher and university grad (with a BA and Bed) did not realize how many indexes existed and how best to use them, it must be overwhelming for many secondary students.  Therein lays the potential problem with online databases, periodicals and indexes.  Due to the amount that is in use, some users may not know which is the most appropriate for a search.  Furthermore, they may get results which are not specific to their topic and are not relevant to their enquiry.  As a result, it is important that teachers and TL’s teach students how to use databases, indexes and periodicals so that all of their potential benefits are achieved by students.