Searching for the “Real Thing”

With the advent of online information, finding the “real thing” can sometimes be confusing.  For example, a child is required to have a magazine article to complete an assignment, and the teacher has specified that the article cannot come from the Internet.  So the student and mother come to the Library.  The librarian helpfully suggests that they use an online magazine database index, and that’s when the questions start.  Once it is explained that the database is a compilation of many full-text articles that have appeared in real, hard-copy magazines, are indexed by subject or keyword and are complete with full citations, mother and student relax and happily search for the required article.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a “real” magazine article, give the Ridgefield Library’s two magazine databases a try, either from home or in the Library.  Both General Reference Center Gold and MasterFILE Elite can be found on our homepage by clicking the Research & Reference button, choosing Databases A to Z from the dropdown list and entering your library card number when prompted.  Articles may also be printed out or emailed, which comes in handy when using these resources on Library computers.   

Contributed by Victoria Carlquist, Head of Reference Services