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.

 

How to access APS’s databases:  

  1. Use Canvas in a browser (such as Safari, Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Using the “app” for Canvas doesn’t work.)
  2. 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.
  3. Follow that link to arrive at the screen pictured below.
  4. Click open your entry point (pictured below) and select the database you want to explore.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

 

Using the databases – video tutorials

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.

 

Related topics:

  • Trouble-shooting: These methods no longer provide the BEST access you need. Use the steps above, instead: 
    • Canvas App. (Don’t use it for database research!)
    • MackinVia (can be a slower access point, with many more clicks and your APS credentials and H-B Woodlawn as the “school name,” but it also has the COMPLETE list  H-B’s and the entire county’s databases listed in it.  The list is about 40 items long and requires loading several pages of content.)
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Report any challenges to Maggie in the library for trouble-shooting with our technologists. Her e-mail:                margaret . carpenter @ apsva.us
  • Teachers note:  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.)
  • Learn why students and teachers use databases!