Recommended Library Databases
SSCC Library Home Page http://dept.seattlecolleges.com/sslib
The following databases are accessible from the SSCC Library web site. Subscription databases may also be searched from home if you have the password. Ask the reference librarian for a password list.
Library CatalogDirectories & Search Engines
Yahoo www.yahoo.com
The largest subject directory on the web. It provides you with a hierarchical list of subjects. Click on the links to progressively narrow your search and zoom in on a specific topic, or do a keyword search to find your topic.
About.com www.about.com
Contains excellent subject guides to a multitude of topics on the World Wide Web. About.com guides are compiled by subject experts. One bad thing, however, is all the annoying advertising on this site!
Google www.google.com
A "smart" search engine. It also allows you to search for images and newsgroups. Tends to give you the most relevant links near the top of your list.
Dogpile www.dogpile.com
A "meta-search engine" that searches about a dozen search engines at once.
Web Searching Tips
1. Think about how to describe your topic.
2. Use a plus (+) in front of each required search term: +"mental institutions" +history
3. Use quote marks (" ") around a phrase: "cerebral palsy"
4. Use an asterisk (*) to truncate. The search below brings back: disabled, disabilities, disability: disab*
5. Use all small letters when typing your search terms to be sure you get everything containing the words in your search. (Some search engines may be case sensitive.)
6. If your results aren't satisfactory, try another strategy.
7. Try using more than one search engine. Different search engines yield different results.
8. Read the Help or Search Tips for a particular search engine. Each search engine is different, and not all of the tips above work for every search engine. There may also be other helpful hints not included on this list.