Research Help

What is a database?
A database is an organized collection of information that can be searched, retrieved, and sorted. The databases that Rend Lake College subscribes to can be found on the Electronic Library page. The LRC has access to over 35 databases for research. Many of these databases offer full text articles from magazines, newspapers, and journals. They cover a wide variety of topics. Some are specialized to a particular subject area such as CINAHL (medical) and ABI inform (business).

What is a subject heading or descriptor?
In order to have success finding information on a database, the subject headings or descriptors found in that database must be used when searching. These subject headings can be found in the Library of Congress Subject Headings books found on the PAC table upstairs in the LRC.

What index should I use?
You may either use print or electronic indexes. Using of print indexes limits you to one year at a time whereas electronic indexes allow you to search 15 years at a time.

What is Boolean searching?
Boolean searching allows you to search more that one subject at a time by putting and, but, or not between the keyword search terms.
What is a research guide? Research guides can be found in the bin beside the elevator in the Reference Department. Each guide informs researchers how to use a certain database.

What is interlibrary loan?
When the LRC does not own a magazine/journal article or it cannot be found in the electronic databases full text, we can ask another library to loan it to us. They will send a copy that we can keep.

Why ask the Librarian?
Sometimes it is difficult to find material on certain topics. If you have difficulty, contact the Reference Department at ext. 1276 or submit an electronic request by using the Ask a Librarian link. The Reference staff can help you find additional resources for your research.