Most of us are generally familiar with how a database works, how to perform a simple search and download an article. But do you know which sources of information make up those results pages?
All of that information is readily available for you to discover, if you have the time. Having an idea of some of the most common magazines, reference sources, and journals make up the database content might make answering patron questions easier. Having that information will allow you to recommend more appropriate resources to assist in research.
MasterFile Premier title sources can be downloaded as Excel or HTML files from here: https://www.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/masterfile-premier . Included in the information is data on the start and stop date of full text data, web publishing delay information (embargo), and PDF availability. This can be helpful, especially for patrons doing research with a specific publication target date.
Let’s take a look at how our patrons are using specific resources. In 2017 these magazines/journals are included in the most downloaded in Allegheny County:
- Consumer Reports
- American Record Guide
- Knight-Ridder Business Newsfeed
- Library Journal
- Consumer Reports Buying Guide
- USA Today
- Publishers Weekly
- Talent Development
- New Yorker
- Christian Science Monitor
- Time
You can find title lists for other resources as well. To find title lists for Gale products like US History inContext, Literature Resource Center, or Opposing Viewpoints inContext scroll to the bottom of the page after you are inside the product and click on “About…”. On the about page you will find title lists available.
Dustin/ Lynne, Sewickley Public Library