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How to access the CA Digital Library Subscription Databases and search for the information I need

Ms. Whitham, HHS Teacher Librarian

Questions? slw9414@lausd.net

or message me in Schoology

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“If you were a detective, would you solve a case using gossip from TikTok, random Google search results, or FBI case files?”

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Google has gotten better at surfacing reputable sources at the top, especially for health- and science-related topics. But there are still areas where the first page of results tends to be dominated by opinion, commercial interests, or pop-culture myths.

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Subscription databases give access to expert evidence and full-text articles that aren’t always free or easy to find online.

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  • What are subscription databases?
  • Why use them for research?
  • Difference between scholarly and popular publications.
  • Tips on how to search to get the best results.
  • How to access the CA subscription databases.

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What you will learn today:

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Take notes!

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It helps you to remember what you learned so you can use the resources later.

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Subscription databases are …

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Why Use Subscription Databases for Research?

  • Subscription databases require a login/portal and contain information that is frequently not free on the web.
  • Information is updated frequently.
  • Sources are authoritative and are fact checked.
  • Contain a wide variety of sources including magazines, peer reviewed articles in academic journals, newspapers, images, digital media and more.

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Why Use Subscription Databases for Research?

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  • Offer advanced search features to narrow and broaden your search.
  • Provides source citations for each source.
  • Often allow you to listen to the text and change languages.
  • Save articles via email or LAUSD Google Drive.

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Scholarly Articles vs. Popular Magazines

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What are “academic” or “scholarly” articles?

  • Published articles written by experts (scholars) in the field of study.
  • Articles are often contain research and are peer reviewed.
  • These articles are more credible than popular magazines or general internet sites.

Source: Florida Atlantic University Library

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Spokane Falls Community College

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Knowledge Check

  1. How is the information you find in subscription databases different than information you find on the Internet?�
  2. What are some of the benefits of using subscription databases?�
  3. How are academic/scholarly articles different than other information you find in subscription databases?
  1. Not free to the public�Require a login�Fact checked/authoritative (exception for opinion articles)�Contain resources that you cannot find on the internet�
  2. Advanced search features�Contain source citations�Audio/Multiple languages�Save via email/Google Drive�
  3. Written by experts in the field�Often Peer Reviewed�Credibility���

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Some General Tips for Searching Databases

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First read the ABSTRACT or SUMMARY to determine if the article meets your needs.

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An abstract is a summary of the main article. An abstract will include information about why the research study was done, what the methodology was and something about the findings of the author(s). The abstract is always at the beginning of the article and will either be labeled "abstract" or will be set apart from the rest of the article by a different font or margins. Source: Oregon State University Library “Scholarly Articles: How can I Tell”?

*Quick Tip: Never quote or cite from an abstract.

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Look for search LIMITERS or FILTERS such as Full text, Source Type, Primary Sources, Academic Articles, Date and more…

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Don’t forget to get the source citation!

  • The source citation for each article is provided.
  • You may copy and paste the citation. It is perfectly formatted.
  • When you email or download the article to your Google Drive, check that the source citation is included.
  • If not, go get the citation right away before you forget!

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Knowledge Check

  • What is an article abstract?�
  • Why is it helpful to read the abstract first?�
  • What are some ways you can narrow or filter your search results?�

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  • A summary of the journal article.�
  • It’s a time saver. It allows you to get an understanding of the article so you don’t have to read the entire thing.�
  • Filter by full text, source type, date, and more.�

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Where do I access the CA Digital Library subscription databases?

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Option 1: CA State Library Subscription Databases

CA State Digital Library�Subscription Sites

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  • From campus, access the CA Subscription Databases link off the HHS Library Website.
  • Access from home, using the Schoology Clever App.�Your teacher must install the databases in your course.

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What CA State Digital Library Databases do I recommend to begin your research?

Proquest Databases

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When you access these resources from outside of LAUSD, you may need to login with your LAUSD email and password via the Digital Library Portal or Schoology App.

Proquest Basic Search Guide

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Now you try!

  • Go to one of the Proquest databases through the CA State Library Databases.
  • Use some of the search tips to try to find an article/paper that addresses your topic.
  • Save/email/upload to Google Drive the article(s) that best address your topic and begin taking notes.
  • Don’t forget to save the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation for the sources you find.