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General Library Information: About Online Information Sources

General Library Information

Troubleshooting Resource Access

Some of EMCC Library's Online resources are open while others require you to enter the same Username and Password combination that you use to sign into your Classes in Canvas.  If you have trouble getting into them, here are a few things to try before contacting the library:

  • Check your spelling and make sure your password is up to date.
  • If you have a lot of tabs open close the ones you are not using.
  • Clear your browser history.  This might help files load faster too.
  • Try a different browser.  Most things work well with Chrome or Firefox.

If you try all these and continue to have problems, please email or call the library and let us know.

What is a Database and Why do you Need One

Why should you use a library database?
  • You will find better quality information.
  • Searches will be faster.
  • Save searches and share information easily.
  • Citation tools help you avoid plagiarism.

Watch the attached video for more info!

Advice for Searching Online

We hope you will try our online resources.  They really can make your work easier.  You will find accurate information tools to help you sort, save and cite what you find. When you gather information on the open web, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Sites with .gov or .edu in their URL belong to government or educational agencies.  They are reliable and you can re-use information from them confidently as long as you use a proper citation.
  • Search engines put popular answers at the top of the search list, not necessarily the best answers.  Read down the list to make sure you don't miss ideas you need.
  • Make sure any website you use is up to date.  Different kinds of information become "too old" at different rates, and sites with no dates at all are definitely not trustworthy.
  • Look into the background of the person or group that created the website.  Are they experts sharing knowledge?  Trying to sell you something?  Seeking attention by making you laugh or get angry?  This affects how useful the site's information is.
  • "Google Advanced Search"  can help filter sites by date, language, etc., but you'll have to judge the quality of what you find in your own.

Good Quality Free Resources

Not all of our electronic resources require an EMCC Username and Password.  Look for the open padlock icon on the A to Z List, or choose the word "Free" on the filter for Vendors.    You can also choose them by title here.