Skip to Main Content

Searching in the Databases

This guide provides a brief overview of common search techniques that you can apply to dasebases, catalogs and search engines to retrieve better results.

How do I get a Library Card?

Your library card allows you to access your NECC Library Account to request and renew books and other items You will be prompted to enter your library card number and password when accessing the library's electronic resources (like databases) from off-campus.

Your library barcode can be found in the bottom corner of your NECC Student ID card. Visit the Welcome Express Desk in the Behrakis One-Stop Student Center, 100 Elliot Street in Haverhill, or the Welcome Express Desk in the John R. Dimitry Building at 45 Franklin Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 to receive a new Student ID with the library card number or use the following information:

Your library card number is 203850 + your 8-digit student ID Number.

(For instance, if your Student ID number is 00223344, your library card number is: 20385000223344)

Your password is your 8-digit birthday.

(For instance, if your birthday is April 15, 1996, your password is: 04151996)

If this information does not work, contact the library. NECC ID numbers expire once you stop taking classes, or after a set period of time if you are not a student. To re-activate your library barcode number, contact the library.

Searching a Library Database

                                                                                                woman typing on a laptop

Being a savvy online researcher requires skill and practice. This guide provides a brief overview of some common search techniques that you can apply to library databases, online catalogs, and even some internet search engines to retrieve better search results. Databases have some form of controlled vocabulary so using keywords, subjects, boolean operators and other advanced search skills like truncation and wildcards will help you find more relevant results in less time.

What is a Database?

A database is a searchable collection of articles from journals and magazines, electronic books, newspapers, images, and reference sources. Some databases contain very general information and others may cover many different subjects, while others are subject-specific. At the NECC Library, we have an  A-Z Database List - select the database you would like to use alphabetically by name or use the drop down box to select a recommended database by subject.

Mira este video en español: https://youtu.be/5RySwqInV68
 

Library databases are different than the resources you find with Internet Search Engines like Google, Bing, Ask, or Duck Duck Go. Both can be useful in your research depending on the type of information you are looking for and how you would like to use it. 

The table below compares some of the differences between library databases and search engines.

Library Databases Search Engines
Are paid for by tuition - you need an NECC library card to access them Find information that is free - can be written/published by anyone regardless of expertise
Contain peer-reviewed, scholarly articles written by experts in a professional field Have few free, scholarly journal articles available
Retrieve focused and relevant searches quickly Can retrieve sites that are not relevant or are outdated
Are stable sources of information - the articles do not disappear Can be time-consuming to narrow down and/or evaluate results
Have tools to help create citations Provide no tools to help create citations

 


To cite this LibGuide use the following templates:

APA: Northern Essex Community College Library. (Date updated). Title of page. Title of LibGuide. URL

MLA: Northern Essex Community College Library. "Title of Page." Title of LibGuide, Date updated, URL.