TexShare Databases

TexShare DatabasesLibrary Information Available Through the InternetDont just surf.Go beyond the internet with TexShare.Dont just surf.Go beyond the internet with TexShare.www.texshare.edu

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Why use TexShare Instead of Search Engines on the Internet? From verifiable, authoritative, subscription-only services Access to full-text and citations from journals, newspapers, encyclopedias, and a wide range of sources unavailable anywhere else on the Internet Current and accurate; no outdated links Doesnt produce a long list of irrelevant and inaccurate Web pages Contains content for all ages


More than 46 Databases!Oh my gosh!With so many choices, how do I go about choosing a database?


Databases are Grouped by Subject


Helpful Descriptions Suppliedmore info Click the more info link for a description of the database


Database Spotlight: MasterFILE PremierQuestion:Database:How is West Nile Virus spread?Ok, Ive found the database I want to use, now how do I get started?Were going to walk you through finding the answer to a question on MasterFILE Premier, a good general reference database covering a broad variety of subjects.


Database Spotlight: MasterFILE PremierQuestion:How is West Nile Virus spread? Type in your Keywords Click Search!


Database Spotlight: MasterFILE PremierQuestion:How is West Nile Virus spread?Sort by media type or use the Find field to narrow results for a more focused resultPrint, save or e-mail your results


Whats Next?With over 50 databases, everything from general knowledge to the most specific topic areas are covered. Ask your librarian if you need help finding or using a database!What database contains Business Week magazine? Or Smithsonian?How do I find information on African-Americans living in Texas in 1870?


Use from Home or OfficeInformationPeople Want Itand HowWhen,Where,


Customized Web Pagefor Your Library


TexShare DatabasesDont just surf.Go beyond the internet with TexShare.www.texshare.eduAt the heart of TexShare is the synergy that occurs when librarians work together to serve customers in diverse ways.Find out more about TexShare online at:


TexShare is the name of the program that allows all participating libraries in Texas to offer these information rich resources through the Internet to patrons all across Texas. The program is administered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. These resources are called databases, because they each contain large amounts of information. The TexShare Databases offer library information available through the Internet. Much of what you can find in the reference section of your library can be found in one of the TexShare Databases. The information is in electronic format instead of in print format. Search engines on the Internet only search Web pages available for free. The TexShare Databases provide information from verifiable subscription only sources. For health related data, less than 1/4 of a search engine's first pages of links lead to relevant content, and have of the time, the relevant content is incomplete or inaccurate. 1 2/3 of college students said that information on the Web did not offer sufficiently wide range of resources for their class work.2 "Internet information for a fee" services are not popular with the public. 3,4 The TexShare Databases provide full-text and citations that all students and researchers can count on and use. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has purchased these databases exclusively for Texas Libraries and their registered users.1. Anhang, Abe and Steve Coffman. "The great reference debate." American Libraries. Mar 2002, v. 33. p.50 citing Risk, Ahmad and Carolyn Petersen. "Health information on the Internet: quality issues and international initiatives." JAMA. May 22, 2002 v 287 p 2713.2."Students find Web inadequate as a research tool, survey shows." Chronicle of Higher Education. Aug. 9, 2002.3,4. 1. "$10 for your online time," Family Practice Management. Jun 2002 v. 9 p. 24.Herring, Mark Y. "10 Reasons Why the Internet Is No Substitute for a Library." American Libraries, April 2001, p. 7678.

These databases contain information for everyone, but sometimes the choices can seem overwhelming. We will look at the way the databases are listed on the page, the more info options contained in the opening menu page, and then we will focus on one database in particular. The Database menu page has the databases listed in subject categories, with each subject being color coded. In this example, the subject is Homework and Education, and is coded in yellow. The database listings underneath are in alphabetical order.Underneath the names of the databases are links that say more info. Click on these links to read a description of what is contained in these databases. In this example, the database called Encyclopedia of Animals has a description saying that it contains entries about mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and dinosaurs. It is ideal for elementary, junior high students, and high school students looking for information on the class, kingdom, and phylum of an animal or its habits and habitat.Once you have found the database you would like to use, you will have to use the search screen provided by that database to find articles related to your search. We will focus on doing a search on the EBSCO database MasterFILE Premier, a good general reference database covering a broad variety of subjects.Type in the phrase west nile in the search box labeled Find: on the first screen of MasterFILE Premier.More than a hundred full-text articles from magazines and newspapers become available, with information on people killed by the disease, community efforts to stop the further spread of the virus, the effect on wildlife, the debate on the risks of the virus versus pesticides, and much more. In addition, more than a hundred abstracts and citations become available to help the student find additional sources of information. All search results can be e-mailed, printed, or saved on your computer. Click on the Primary Source Documents link on top of the results list to obtain full-text of congressional testimony by various organizations, as well as state and federal political transcripts all about the West Nile virus. Be sure to explore more of this database for valuable information! Two other databases that can serve as an introduction to the TexShare Databases are TDNet from and HeritageQuest. Type Business Week into TDNet and view the list of databases that contain that magazine. (Please note that some libraries will be able to use the direct link to the database provided in the search results, and some will have to go back to the menu page to access that database and that magazine). Type How do I find information on African-Americans living in Texas in 1870? and view the results. Be sure to explore!Please note that many other databases are available that contain scholarly and professional journals for the more serious researcher. Ask your librarian for more details.The TexShare Databases can be accessed from home or office. All that is needed is an Internet connection and a method of access from a participating Texas library. Its information where, when, and how people want it.The Texas State Library and Archives Commission can customize a TexShare Database menu for your library if that is the best option available for that library. Here is an example of the page for the Johnson City Public Library. It contains the librarys name & contact information.This page allows for database access from inside the library OR outside the library from the homes and offices of registered library users. All that is required for remote access use is a login and password provided by the library. In addition, usage statistics specific to this library can be compiled and tracked when using a customized page.The TexShare Databases allow people from all over the State of Texas to access electronic information that otherwise would only be available to a select audience willing to pay for this information. The TexShare Program believes that librarians from all over the State can work together to serve customers in diverse ways, including using the TexShare Databases