Today's lecture gave us a brief outline on what databases and online libraries are and how they can be very useful to university studies. These data bases are usually created by large organisations with large amounts of information on a particular category or topic. An online library for example, created by a university would contain academic sources for academic purposes. Such programmes include online journals, music, art work, online books just to name a few. These databases can be very resourceful because through thorough research a person can find exactly what they are looking for. They are convenient and contain numerous amounts of links; they are up to date and are accessible any where and at anytime in comparison to a real library or art gallery. Some of the catalogs such as those posted by art galleries, may require subscription, meaning you are charged a fee to look at the catalog, however there are others which are free such as online libraries. Basically all of these online databases are a collection of information which are categorised into different links which allows the user to access various information by using the different links and tabs to find exactly what they are searching for.
Workshop Summary
Task 1- Visit the http://www.ecu.edu.au/library/ and create a list of 10 useful functions that you find on the library site.
10 useful functions
1- Books, CD's and more (catalogue)
This function allows you to access online books and CD's, the link offers you different methods of searching either by typing in the authors name, the name of the book and keywords just to name a few.
2- Other Options (search other catalogues) through the same function there is a link that allows you to access other catalogues from other universities with the click of a button. This is a great tool because if one catalogue doesn't have what you are looking for why not search others.
3- Journal article (databases) this function enables you to search for academic journals via name search, key word search and so on. I think that the key word search is quite easy to use because after you type in the main topic e.g. (abortion) and then if you wanted to be specific with the topic you would type next to it (teenagers) this would narrow the search to abortion in teenagers.
4- Websites this function gives you quick internet interaction, allowing you to select a specific category such as finance, hospitality etc... and also gives you the option of what internet server you wish to use such as Google, Avista etc... The link seems to be really convenient for those who wish to use the websites as another source.
5- MetaQuest this function allows you to access 10 databases at the one time which saves time and space.
6- ECU Library Podcasts this functions allows you to access podcasts which are audio files created by the university for academic purposes on a range of subjects.
7- The IT Services link is a very handy tool that allows you to seek assistance for a technical problem, searching through the tabs you will find contact numbers and people who specialise in this area.
8- ECU Library Link provides you with library times for journals and books which are only accessible in hard copy. The link also offers conditions on hiring and student services as well as other useful information.
9- Researches link takes you to a number of other links, one in particular called faculty library schools which gives you a list of the people who deal with that area and when, where and how you can contact them.
10- APA referencing guide link gives you internet access to these sources which is convenient as well as saving time and money.
Task 2- Visit the MEDline plus website http://www.medlineplus.gov/ and search through some of the health topics and discuss your findings.
The condition I have decided to focus on is lupus because my closest friend lives with the condition everyday. At the top of the first page there was a search box called Search MedlinePlus. After typing in Lupus it open up another page, at the top was a brief description of what lupus was and how it affects the body as well as the various forms of the condition. As I scrolled down I was surprised to see that there were numerous amounts of web links (697 hits) to other websites on other areas of the condition such as the other types. After reading the interactive tutorial it is obvious that this sight would be very useful to medical students. Evan members of the public who were interested in such topics could gather some beneficial information because it is easy to read and understand. It states at the very beginning that the information provided should not substitute the doctors advice. The slide presentation offers a number of visual and verbal aids to assist in educating the searcher on the topic such as what the condition is, the symptoms, the different strands of it as well as possible treatment. All medical terms are explained thoroughly which also makes the tutorial easy to understand and interpret. The tutorial also offers the viewer with a multiple choice questioner which allows the reader to remember what they have just read and seen which is a great method of educating.
Please see below for a screen shot of the tutorial slides
There were no additional readings for this week.
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