View a video for tips on using the databases.

Tips on Finding the Right Database for your Search

• Use the subject listings on the right of the page to select a database.
• See a brief description of each database under the title. Click on more for details.
• Use the individual database's help feature for tips on searching the database.
• Search eJournal Finder to find a specific journal, magazine, or newspaper in the databases. A link to eJournal Finder is under tools on the left side of the screen.
• See the Frequently Asked Questions below for more tips.

ONLINE DATABASES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are the online databases?
2. Why should I use the databases?
3. Is there a charge to use the databases?
4. How do I get started using the databases?
5. How do I access the databases away from the Library?
6. Which browser and settings do I need to access the databases?
7. Do I need a Library PIN (Personal Identification Number) to use the databases?
8. Why can't I access the databases? I enter my library card, but still can't get in.
9. Why are some databases only available for searching at the Library and not at home, too?
10. How can I use the TexShare databases?
11. How do I retrieve information from the databases?
12. Can I print or save articles from the databases?
13. Can I e-mail articles from the databases?
14. How can I tell if a particular newspaper, magazine, or journal is available in full text in the databases?
15. How can I get an article that is not available in full text online?
16. How do I cite an article?
17. How can I use the eBooks from NetLibrary?

1. What are the online databases?

The online databases are electronic resources on many topics including biography, business, current affairs, education, health, literature, science, and technology. Magazines and newspapers, encyclopedias, and books are all available in full text. The Austin Public Library purchases the right to access some of the databases. Others are purchased by TexShare, a program of the Texas State Library & Archives Commission. Austin Public Library Cardholders can access many of the databases remotely from their home or office computers 24 hours a day. Anyone can search the databases at any Austin Public Library location.

2. Why should I use the databases?

The online databases contain information from reliable sources that has been reviewed and edited. Electronic versions of standard print reference works such as the Encyclopedia Britannica and the New York Times are available. The information in the databases is more reliable than much of the information that is available from searching the Internet with a search engine. Most of the databases are available 24 hours a day from any computer anywhere to Austin Public Library Cardholders.

3. Is there a charge to use the databases?

No, there is no charge to use the databases. The databases are available for searching for free by anyone at any Austin Public Library location. There is a $.20 per page fee for printing at the libraries. Austin Public Library Cardholders also have free remote access from home or office to most of the databases.

4. How do I get started using the databases?

The Online Databases Web page contains a subject guide. Databases relevant to each subject are listed with brief descriptions of their contents. For general information,a good places to start is the Articles & News heading. Elementary through high school students should start with Homework Helpers.

5. How do I access the databases away from the Library?

You must have an Austin Public Library Card to access the databases remotely from your home or office computer. Click on the title of the database you want to search. At the login page, type your Library Card Number (located under the bar code on the card) into the box and submit. You will be directed to the database. To search another database, hit the browser back button to return to the database pages. You only have to enter your Library Card Number once per browser session.

6. Which browser and settings do I need to access the databases?

Some databases are more compatible with Internet Explorer than with Netscape, AOL, or other browsers. Download and install the latest non-Beta version of your browser for maximum compatibility. Browsers should have cookies, Java, JavaScript, and frames enabled and caching turned on for optimal use of the databases. Check the individual database's help screen for other requirements.

7. Do I need a Library PIN (Personal Identification Number) to use the databases?

No, a PIN is not necessary. Anyone can use the databases at any Austin Public Library location. An Austin Public Library Card is necessary to use the databases remotely from your home or office.

8. Why can't I access the databases? I cannot get to the login page to enter my Library Card number or I enter my Library Card number, but still can't get in.

• You must enter the databases through the Austin Public Library Web pages. Do not try to access the databases through links saved as favorites or bookmarks.
• Try accessing a different database. If you cannot access two or more databases, the problem is most likely with your computer settings.
• Some firewalls, proxy servers, and security software block the ports that the Library uses to provide remote access (ports 2048 and above). Reconfigure your personal security software to allow these ports or check with your Systems Administrator.
• Pop-up blockers may interfere with downloading some documents. Try disabling pop-up blockers, if you are having problems downloading files.
• Cookies must be enabled. If you are having trouble accessing a database, try deleting old cookies.
• Java and JavaScript must be enabled.
• Refresh your browser.
• Turn off any ISP accelerators, such as the Google Web accelerator.
• Occasionally the database providers have technical problems. Try to access the database again later.
• The Austin Public Library has a limited number of concurrent users allowed for some databases. If you get a message to this effect, please try to access the database again later.
• Call Telephone Reference at 974-7400 to report recurring problems.

9. Why are some databases only available for searching at the Library and not at home, too?

Some database publishers do not permit remote access to their databases. In some cases the Library is not able to purchase remote access due to budget constraints. Whenever possible, the Library offers remote access.

10. How can I use the TexShare databases?

The TexShare databases are included on the Austin Public Library Online Databases Web pages. TexShare databases can be identified by the TexShare logo.

Austin Public Library Card holders can access the TexShare databases from their homes or offices using the remote access link and entering their Library Card number. No user name or password is required. TexShare databases are provided to eligible public, academic, and state governmental agency libraries. Although the TexShare databases are accessible through the APL Web pages, a separate link to the TexShare Databases Web page is provided.

11. How do I retrieve information from the databases?

The databases are on the Internet. Click on the links to retrieve information. The periodical databases often have a link to "text" or "full text." Click on the link to retrieve the full text of the article. All databases have a help function. Look for a ? or a help button for tips on using the database.

12. Can I print or save articles from the databases?

Yes, you can print from most databases. Many databases have a print function that reformats the content to reduce the number of printed pages. You can also use the browser print command. Many but not all databases allow you to save content to a diskette or USB drive.

13. Can I e-mail articles from the databases?

Many but not all of the databases offer an e-mail function so that you can send articles to yourself or a friend.

14. How can I tell if a particular newspaper, magazine, or journal is available in full text in the databases?

The eJournal Finder is an alphabetical list of full-text periodicals available through the online databases offered by the Austin Public Library. For each journal title you will find a link to one or more databases containing full-text articles from that publication. A link to eJournal Finder is located in the Tools menu on the left hand column on all database pages.

15. How can I get an article that is not available in full text online?

Check the Library Catalog or search the Faulk Periodicals Holdings to see if the Library owns the title in paper or microform. If the Library does not own the periodical, call the Telephone Reference at 512-974-7400 for information on obtaining articles via Interlibrary Loan.

16. How do I cite an article?

When you find a document that you want to incorporate into a research paper or thesis, you may want its bibliographic information for the bibliography section of your paper. Complete citation information can be obtained from the document's entry in the database result list. Some databases provide a sample citation format. See the Duke University Libraries' Citing Sources for examples of formats from any one of four style manuals: APA, Chicago, MLA, and Turabian.

17. How can I use the eBooks from NetLibrary?

You must have a user account with NetLibrary to use the eBooks away from the Library. Create an account at the NetLibrary page on the Austin Public Library Web site. Once you have created an account you can access NetLibrary directly.