Dazzling Database for October 2015
CultureGrams
 |
| http://online.culturegrams.com.ezproxy.hct.ac.ae/ |
CultureGrams
from ProQuest is a great source for students needing reliable country
and culture references for a report. Placed somewhere between Wikipedia
and the CIA's World Factbook, information is available on 208 countries
(in the World edition), each entry being written by a local expert.
CultureGrams
comes packaged with an incredible suite of tools. Besides citation
assistance, students can view photographs, slideshows, videos and
interviews with people from each country. There are info-graphics,
graphs and tables. Images of the national flags, and even a few local
recipes! A sampling of famous people from each country is also
available.
Dazzling Database for September 2015
Al Manhal: Multidisciplinary e-Books in Arabic
Al Manhal
is the world's first Arabic electronic all searchable content platform.
In partnership with ebrary, an established leader in e-Book provision, Al Manhal is available to the faculty and students of HCT.
Al Manhal’s database was created specifically for academics, researchers, and scientists. The
collection of eBooks will cover key areas, including business and
economics, educational sciences, Islamic studies, and social sciences.
The database is updated on a regular basis to deliver the region’s
latest intellectual produce and will continually broaden its scope of
content to include more categories.
Dazzling Database for June - August 2015
Common Craft
Common Craft
is a library of educational videos on a variety of topics that are easy
to understand. The videos use stop-action animation with whiteboards
and paper cut-outs to illustrate different topics.
Common Craft creates videos in the following categories:
Common Craft creates videos in the following categories:
Topics range from Apps and Blogs to Insurance and Investing Money. Common Craft also contains a huge library of images called cut outs which you can use for your own presentations.
Dazzling Database for May 2015
SAGE Research Methods
SAGE Research Methods
is of most value to students, faculty and researchers in the social
sciences. It will help to answer your questions on research methods and
research design.
Contents
include over 100,000 pages of book, journals and reference content.
Combined with award winning search and discovery tools, you are almost
guaranteed to find the answer you seek!
Other
helpful tools include the "methods map" that visually displays
relationships between method terms, concepts, people and literature. It
is also highly advised to watch the introductory videos beforehand, in
order to better understand and utilize all the tools at hand.
For a more comprehensive review of SAGE Research Methods, please click here.
Dazzling Database for April 2015
Biographies of Famous People - Britannica Academic
In
keeping with the Library Week theme of "Unlimited Possibilities @ Your
Library", it is possible to find excellent information on people who
surpassed their supposed limits to achieve greatness in their lifetimes,
by using the Britannica Academic.
Besides the expected bibliographical information, Britannica Academic
provides photographs, videos, and links to additional sources of
information. Tools are also included that help students reference their
information. Try Britannica today, it will exceed your expectations!
Dazzling Database for March 2015
Many
HCT students are interested in entrepreneurial ventures, and this
ProQuest Entrepreneurship database is an excellent collection of
full-text content for business researchers and students, and budding
entrepreneurs. Coverage is quite strong for the UAE, including a range
of “Company Capsules” for UAE companies, which outline their business
details and links to annual and financial reports if they are a publicly
listed company. Resources on this easy-to-use database include:
- Video clips
- Market research reports
- Start-up plans, templates, and forms
- Scholarly journals
- Business cases
- Working papers
- Conference proceedings
- Dissertations
Dazzling Database for February 2015
NoodleTools
NoodleTools is one of the many HCT database subscriptions, and it is an excellent student citation resource. It is limited as a citation builder in many ways, and is therefore not suitable as a faculty or large-scale research citation manager, but it has some great features which are just right for our students!
To begin with NoodleTools, users register (and can then retrieve previous work), and a “Project” must be started first. This could be an assignment level for students, and this contains several good organizing features for new researchers. Once in the project, citations are reasonably easy to create. NoodleTools offers only 3 citation styles (APA/MLA and Chicago), and only 6 basic resource formats (e.g. books, journal articles). These options are generally enough for student use however, and citations can be created by copy and pasting from another source, or by manually filling out the fields for that resource format.
What is particularly useful about NoodleTools however, is the assistance it provides to students to help them to understand different resource formats, and where they might locate the type of citation information they are looking for (e.g. where would you usually find a publisher in a book?). Once a new citation format is selected (e.g. a book), NoodleTools takes the student through some excellent screens which guide them in ensuring that they have selected the right format, and can find the citation information they will need. For example, the following screens give simple and valuable information for book and journal resources:
 |
| Click on image to enlarge |
 |
| Click on image to enlarge |
Dazzling Database for January 2015
Scopus
Scopus is the largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature: scientific journals, books and conference proceedings.
So, while it might not directly deliver full text articles for download, it serves as one of the best tools around for researchers. In HCT both faculty and students are being encouraged to do more applied research, plus many of the staff are chasing their doctorate degrees too.
Scopus is great for searching for documents for your literature review using advanced search tools that deliver precise results. It will also provide links to the full text of articles available from our other subscriptions. And when it comes to citations - Scopus makes it easy to export to reference managers like Mendeley, RefWorks and EndNote.
Use Scopus to discover related articles, authors or keywords. Identify subject experts, or the research output of organizations. With Scopus you can also set up alerts to keep you up-to-date, or track the citations of publications. And last, but not least, use Scopus to evaluate the impact of authors and journals on research.
With over 50 million records, from 21,000 titles, and over 5,000 publishers - Scopus is the battle axe in your research armoury!
Dazzling Database for December 2014
Credo Reference: A truly great reference tool!
HCT
has access to some of the best academic databases money can buy, but
sometimes all you need is a tool for finding good, solid, basic
reference information that is credible and not just plucked from
Wikipedia for lack of anything better.
Credo Reference is that tool! To quote the New York Public Library:
Credo
is a vast, online reference library, providing access to the full text
of hundreds of highly regarded and popular titles. And Credo brings the
facts alive with images, sound files, animations, videos and much more.
Find speedy, simple answers and authoritative, in-depth articles. Credo
Reference contains dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, thesauri,
encyclopedias, quotations and atlases, plus a wide range or
subject-specific titles covering everything from accounting to zoology,
via maps, math, management, martial arts, media studies, medicine,
mountains, moons, music, multimedia, mythology.
This is an excellent tool for introducing students to credible sources, and the use of references, as Credo provides references (APA included) and can export search results to various citation tools! It also a good way to introduce students to the search process and use of academic databases, as it (in a simple way) allows them to filter and narrow their searches.
For teachers handing out basic assignments, e.g. “the history of the Suez Canal” - or to get any research launched - be sure to recommend Credo Reference to your class!
Dazzling Database for November 2014
Student Resources in Context
Student Resources in Context
is a database for general information on a variety of topics. It is a
great place to start with your research. You have access to newspapers,
journals, videos, maps and images on a variety of topics. If you are
searching for geography, history, biography, science, health and sports
information, this is a great database.
It includes citation tools, bookmarking, dictionary and emailing.
It can be found on our HCT Library site. Go to:
Dazzling Database for October 2014
CBT Nuggets
Located in the IT menu of our databases, CBT Nuggets is renowned for providing innovative IT training that's informative, meaningful, and engaging.
The
modules are varied, primarily in IT, project management, and office
productivity topics. This database contains thousands of training videos
ranging from Cisco networking to Microsoft Word. Whether you want to
pass a certification exam, increase your skills, or simply learn new
things, CBT Nuggets have got you covered!
Similar to Lynda.com,
all of the training modules are delivered through high-quality online
streaming video. Students and faculty can train 24 hours a day, seven
days a week, from the convenience of a computer or mobile device.
CBT
Nuggets modules are very engaging. The presenters of CBT Nuggets
deliver accurate, up-to-date training, using a laid-back whiteboard
presentation style. To access this database you will need to ask one of
our friendly library staff for the login and password.
Dazzling database for September 2014
Keep up-to-date in your research and teaching field: Using ALERTS
The
HCT libraries have over 100 databases, and many allow you to set up
regular ALERTS which will send you email links to newly published
articles, as often as you want, for as long as you want, on just the
topics you would like to keep up-to-date with. Easy!
Many databases will allow you to set up as many alerts as you wish. If you prefer, you can often set up an RSS feed rather than notification via email.
From the library website (http://libraries.hct.ac.ae/) select Databases from the top orange tool bar, and then the database covering your subject area.
Most Ebsco and Proquest databases are very easy to set up with ALERTS, and many others also make this available.
Look for a symbol on the database for alerts or updates, such as on the BioMedCentral database:
The
most important part of setting up an ALERT is to create a good search
strategy (achieving good results specific to your search, without too
many irrelevant resources). Ask your librarian to help you with this –
HINT – use subject headings, and be as specific as possible. You can
limit searches by “full text”, “peer reviewed”, date limited, and many
other options. Spend a little time to get this right, as you will soon
tire of an alert which sends through irrelevant links!
Once you are happy with your search strategy, simply click on the “Create Alert” button on the top toolbar (example for Ebsco databases):
Setting up the alert is simple and free, and totally in your control:
In
Ebsco, you enter your email address, and how often you would like to
see the alert. You would generally limit your alert to only newly
published items.
You also have the option to use a RSS feed if you prefer.
You have the option to cancel alerts at any time. Many will automatically stop after a period you define (e.g. after one year).
ProQuest works in a very similar way to Ebsco. Create and schedule alerts to deliver new documents matching your search as they become available. In ProQuest you can create a free “My Research” account to modify, delete or view all of your alerts.
Ask
your librarian to assist you to create very relevant search strategies
if needed, and keep yourself current in your discipline!
Dazzling database for June to August 2014
Library PressDisplay
Library PressDisplay provides instant online access to today's newspapers from around the world in full-color, full-page format. The ever-expanding collection currently includes more than 2,000 U.S. and international titles. Just like reading the familiar print edition, viewers can browse articles and other key content, such as pictures, advertisements, classifieds, and notices. The service also provides up to a 60-day backfile and the ability to perform keyword searches across all titles and the entire backfile.
On the front page of Library Pressdisplay, you can see a country list on the left side of the page. Scroll down to and click on UAE to see a comprehensive list of both English and Arabic newspapers!
There is also an App for reading your Pressdisplay newspapers on iPad. More information can be found in our Amazing Apps section.
Dazzling database for May 2014
JSTOR
JSTOR is not your average library database. JSTOR
was founded in 1995 with funding from the Mellon Foundation. The aim
was to "build trusted digital archives for scholarship". Put simply, JSTOR is a digital archive for journals, some of which go back more than a 100 years. JSTOR
is a not-for-profit organization that only charges a fee to subscribers
to cover their costs. By archiving journals digitally, they allow
libraries to free up shelving space. They also allow new or less
privileged libraries to provide journal access to their patrons.
JSTOR
charges subscription on a 3-tier system, providing reduced or even free
access to many libraries in Africa and other developing countries.
Of course, as JSTOR
does not sign exclusive rights agreements with publishers, there is an
embargo period on articles that can range between 2-5 years. This means
you won't have full-text access to the very latest articles, but in many
disciplines this is not a huge issue.
JSTOR
is particularly strong in the Social Sciences, but also covers fields
like Health Policy, Language, Economics, Nursing, Business, and
Mathematical and Statistical Sciences quite well.
Dazzling database for April 2014
OverDrive Digital Library
OverDrive Digital Library
is a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks,
and other digital content. It includes eBooks related to your study,
latest releases, most popular eBooks and recommended reading. All HCT
students have access to OverDrive through the HCT Library website. To locate this, click on the Database tab, scroll down to eBooks and click on OverDrive Digital Library.
Individual students can download up to 5 eBooks at any time. Choose your book and tap ‘Borrow’. You can then download the eBook or read it on your browser. After two weeks, the books will be automatically returned to the HCT Library. You may return the book earlier if you wish by tapping the ‘Return Title’ button.
Students and faculty can also download eBooks on their iPad. To do this you will need to download the following OverDrive app:
Individual students can download up to 5 eBooks at any time. Choose your book and tap ‘Borrow’. You can then download the eBook or read it on your browser. After two weeks, the books will be automatically returned to the HCT Library. You may return the book earlier if you wish by tapping the ‘Return Title’ button.
Students and faculty can also download eBooks on their iPad. To do this you will need to download the following OverDrive app:
If you require further information, please contact your Library staff.
Database for March 2014
ABI/INFORM Global
is one of the most comprehensive business databases that students can
access through the HCT Database link. It includes in-depth full-text
journals from thousands of publications. It also contains the ABI/INFORM
archive which offers a backfile of important business journals from the
last century.
Students
can find out the most current information about business conditions,
management techniques, business trends, management practice and theory,
corporate strategy and tactics and the competitive landscape.
Database for February 2014
Oxford Islamic Studies Online , a new database to the HCT Libraries, has over 5,000 A–Z reference entries, chapters from scholarly and introductory works, Qur'anic materials, primary sources, images, maps, and timelines. The database provide a first stop for anyone needing information and context on Islam. The current core content titles include the following:
- The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art & Architecture (March 2009), a three-volume reference work offering the most comprehensive coverage of Islamic art throughout the world, beginning with the inception of Islam and continuing to the present day
- The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World (March 2009), a new six-volume work covering the full geographical and historical extent of Islam
- The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World, available in full on the site with access to archived articles that have been updated in the new Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World
- The Islamic World: Past and Present, an accessible A–Z reference covering key people, events and concepts in Islamic history
- The Oxford Dictionary of Islam, in addition to being an integral part of the cross-searchable site content, all 2,500 entries in this authoritative quick reference are free to the public. Anyone can access or cite Dictionary content by using the on-site browse or major Web search engines
- The Oxford History of Islam, a chaptered work containing authoritative essays by leading Muslim and non-Muslim scholars on the origins of the faith, arts, sciences, and history to the present-day situation of Islam
- What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, a question-and-answer guide by John L. Esposito, in which he responds to the most commonly asked questions about Muslim culture and Islam with thoughtful, unbiased replies
- Teaching Islam, edited by Brannon M. Wheeler for the American Academy of Religion's Teaching Religious Studies series, this work brings together leading scholars to offer perspectives on how to teach Islam
- Makers of Contemporary Islam, a chaptered work by OISO editor in chief John L. Esposito and senior editor John O. Voll that explores the lives and thought of some of contemporary Islam's most important thinkers
- Two Oxford World's Classics versions of the Qur'an: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem's The Qur'an, a prose translation, and The Koran Interpreted, a renowned verse translation by A.J. Arberry
- Hanna Kassis' Concordance of the Qur'an
No comments:
Post a Comment