Databases

Databases in libraries are valuable collections of copyright-protected images, magazine articles, video clips, encyclopedias, e-book content, primary sources, simulations and more that save researchers time and improve student learning. Different from “open source” and free web sites on the internet, subscription databases from the library cost money to use, but libraries pay the bill. Access requires a password which is applied by the APS network as students move through their Canvas account.

Go to databases via Canvas.

How to access APS’s databases:

Use Canvas in a browser (such as Safari, Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Using the “app” for Canvas doesn’t work.)
Read the graphic below. Then, open this link to databases via Canvas. If that pathway fails, try the steps below.
Navigate to any teacher’s Canvas course and find the link to the “APS Library Resources” toward the bottom of his or her course menu.
Follow that link to arrive at the screen pictured below.
Click open your entry point (pictured below) and select the database you want to explore.
H-B’s community should NOTICE that our library has additional databases, including IMPORTANT databases for Art, Music, Pop Culture, Careers info, Computer Science and History. Use MackinVia buttons in Canvas for fast access to them.
It’s easy! Watch the video below for a demonstration.

The menu at APS Library Resources lists databases in categories such as high school, middle school, and an alphabetical listing to select your access point. HB Students find additional databases purchased by H-B's librarian at the database listing in MackinVia. A link to MackinVia is in the course menu here in Canvas.

Video Demonstration– How to reach APS databases:

A closed captioned version of this video is available in MS Stream.

Video Tutorials - how to use databases efficiently

Gale Databases: All Gale databases. Gale Biography in Context Gale Middle School in Context

JSTOR: Basic Searching Advanced Searching with Boolean Operators even more tips!

Proquest E-Book Central: Click “Book Details Page” for tips.

Why Use Databases?

Lesson: students and teachers use databases to save time and improve the quality of their resources for learning. Here’s why!

Trouble-shooting: These methods NO LONGER provide the BEST access you need.

Canvas App. (Don’t use it for database research! Use the internet browser and go inside Canvas from Rapid Identity.)
Do not make the mistake of ‘googling” for our database entry point. You will arrive at a login page that will not function, or marketing information from the company. Use Canvas and click on “APS Library Resources.”
By using Canvas as your point of entry, you are applying your “one login” credentials via APS My Access. That pathway provides access whether you are on campus or off campus.
MackinVia (use this access point only for the 4 databases H-B specific databases– that is, the ones that our library pays for but that the rest of APS does not pay for.)
Don’t use a URL from a browser window if the database gives you a “stable URL” or persistent link to the resource instead.
Report any challenges to your library staff trouble-shooting with our technologists. It helps if you send a screenshot that displays the error message. E-mail: reina . malakoff @ apsva.us

Teachers: how to post database content in your Canvas Courses

Here’s how to link a source from your Canvas Course or assignment. DON’T attempt to link the database from your assignment (because there’s a strong likelihood the linking will fail. There are many invisible firewalls, you see. Maggie can help.)