Useful Eresources

Find links to these under the eResources 2.0 page

Remember that you can sort the eResources by subject!

Academic Search Complete [general database]

PsycARTICLES [abstracts and full text]

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection [abstracts and full text]

PSCYINFO [abstracts only]

Wiley InterScience (Formerly Blackwell Synergy) [abstracts and full text]

Tips to Keep in mind while Searching

Databases

§  Each database has its own way of organizing and searching information, so remember to check the help feature before beginning any search

§  Look for ways to narrow or limit your results (this can weed out a lot of false hits)

§  See if the database has a list of subject terms you can use instead of a keyword search. (They are standardized so you don’t have to worry about synonyms or homographs)

§  After you find one useful article check the subjects or keywords attached to it. This can lead you to more efficient search terms.

§  Remember that Periodical Locator can find the full text of articles in varying databases.

When you come across materials you need but we don’t have full text access, fill out an Interlibrary Loan request (just remember to allow 1-2 weeks for delivery).

Search Tips that Span the Information Universe

§  Remember to use Boolean Operators

o   AND will produce results containing BOTH terms (e.g. birds AND bees)

o   OR generates results that  contain EITHER term (e.g. dogs OR canines)

o   NOT results will include the first term, but not the second (cats NOT musical)

§  Quotation marks will isolate that phrase: “natural selection” lists results containing only that specific phrase, but results for natural selection would contain natural AND selection somewhere, not necessarily side by side.

§  Truncation allows you to search for variances of terms. Astro* gives you results which can include the terms: astronomer, astronomy, astrology, astronaut, etc. Some database’s use different symbols, so check their help features.

Tips on Evaluating Sources (Print and Web)

Review the following characteristics:

                Currency

                                Is the information current or up to date?

                Point of View

                                Is the information biased in any way? Is it trying to misinform the reader?

                Authorship/Accountability

                                Does the writer have any authority on the topic? What are his/her credentials?

                Publication

In what publication was it published? What are the submission policies? For websites, with what organization/publication are they affiliated? What agenda may they have?

                Audience

                                To whom is the information geared? Scholars or general audiences?

                Accuracy/Verifiability

Does the information appear accurate? Can it be verified or corroborated by another reliable source? Does the author provide a bibliography?

Additional Information

Library’s website- http://www.bridgewater.edu/library

Library’s blog- http://www.theunclassifiedlibrary.blogspot.com

Library’s wiki- http://www.alexmacklibrary.pbwiki.com