Homework Resources - The Shameless Plug Entry Part I

Hi All,

Welcome back to the Farmingdale PL reference department blog. We hope you've had a nice Summer, but like all good things, summer has ended. Labor Day has come and gone and now it is back to school or to work....depending on your age!

So, what does the title have to do with the library and with school?

Simple: the library subscribes to a number of fine online databases THAT WILL HELP YOUR CHILD DO BETTER IN SCHOOL. THESE DATABASES ARE FREE, ARE OF TOP QUALITY AND EASY TO USE and will save you student time and effort while doing homework or completing school projects.

In these economic times what more can you ask for in a service of product? In addition, these online databases can be accessed at home or anywhere else that you have a Farmingdale library card. Before you access the databases though, you'll need to enter your library card number - the number is the 14-digit number on the back of your library card.

Now, with all the introductory remarks having been said, how can you, the patron gain access to these fantastic online databases? Click here to go to the reference department webpage to access the databases.

If you notice on the left side of the screen, we've divided up the databases by subject. As you can further see we have many, many subjects ranging from Art, Auto Repair, Business, Education, Encyclopedias, Genealogy, History, Job Search, Languages, Literature, Magazines, Miscellaneous, Music, Newspapers & Current Events, Reference Resources, Science & Technology and Student Resources.

Once you click on any of the categories (for example Magazines) you will be taken to another webpage. The new page will bring up the list of databases that correspond to the link you chose. By clicking on Magazines, you will have a choice of three databases: General OneFile, General Reference Center Gold and InfoTrac OneFile. Note that you will see a summary of each database below the name of the database. That is helpful for you since it can help you determine whether or not you want to use the particular database.

Note that in almost all cases the database comes with full-text. This means that if you find an article that you need, you will fine the actuall words (the full-text) of the article. No more microfilm or microfiche or photocopying newspapers or magazines. You will be able to either email the article to yourself (and then print the article at home on your printer) or you can print it in the library. Talk about easy and simple!

For the younger students you might want to click on the link at the bottom called 'Student Resources'. This link covers a bunch of online databases as varied as Kids Infobits, Live Librarian, Opposing Viewpoints, Primary Search and Student Resource Center. Again, all of these databases are unbiased, well-known, free and easy for kids to use.

If you have any questions about how to use any of the databases I discussed in this post, call the reference desk at 249-9090 to speak with a reference librarian.

Regards,
Stu