Find an Article: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

NC LIVE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

 

What is a Research Database?

Research databases are your very best resource for real, academic research. There are different kinds of Research databases. Some databases are very broad in scope, such as Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia or NetLibrary. Other databases are very specific, like ValueLine Investment Survey or Novelist.

Research Databases have several important characteristics:

  • Research databases contain information from published works.
    • Such as magazine and newspaper articles, encyclopedias and other reference books.
  • Research databases are searchable.
    • In order to help you find exactly what you need you can search by Keyword, Subject, Author, Magazine Title, Date, etc.
  • Research databases provide citation information.
    • All of the data you need to create a perfect bibliography: Author, Title of Article, Title of Publication, Publisher, Date of Publication.
  • Research databases are paid for by the library.
    • They contain valuable information which isn't cheap. As a member of the Cumberland County Public Library, though, your access is free!

 

 

How is a Research Database different than a Website?

Research Databases…

... Get their information from professionals or experts in the field.

... Contain published works where facts are checked.

... Are easy to cite in a bibliography and may create the citation for you.

... Can help you narrow your topic or suggest related subjects.

... Are updated frequently and include the date of publication.

Websites…

... Can be written by anyone regardless of expertise.

... Content is not necessarily checked by an expert.

... Often don’t provide the information necessary to create a complete citation.

... Often aren’t organized to support student research needs.

... May not indicate when a page is updated.

 

 

My teacher said no internet resources. Can I still use a research database?

For nearly all intents and purposes, a research database counts as a print resource. The articles and information that you can find in a database originally appeared in a print journal or magazine and all of that citation information is still present. The simple fact is that we do not have the space to house them all in print form. An electronic database allows us to offer resources that we otherwise could not have offered.

Of course your teacher has the final say regarding what is acceptable for any given assignment.

 

 

How do I access the Research Databases?

When using any of our databases from within the library you will be able to access them automatically. If, however, you try and access them from home you will need a password. Some databases require your library card number, while others require an NC LIVE Password. The requirements for use are in green after the resource's description.

Example: This is an NC LIVE resource.

 

 

How do I use NC LIVE?

Simply click on NC LIVE logo to begin your search using the EZ Search function. You can also choose one of the other options below to search using different features:

Advanced Search

   By Subject or Type  

An Advanced Search allows you to enter multiple search terms such as Keyword, Subject, and Title. You can also limit by date range, select full-text only, and include your library catalog.

 Advanced Search

Sometimes you will need information on a particular subject or from a particular type of source, such as a newspaper. In that case, you may want to Browse by Subject or Type.

Title Search

  Specific Resources  

Sometimes you need to find an article from one specific publication. You can search a list of titles to find exactly what you need.

 Search by Title

NC LIVE is a collection of many different databases. If you know of a specific database that you wish to search you do have the option to search by a particular database.

Search by Database

 

 

Can I access NC LIVE from home?

Absolutely!

You can connect to NC LIVE from any computer with Internet access. If you use NC LIVE from within the library you will be able to login automatically.

However, if you are searching from home or work then you will need your NC LIVE Password (see below). If you need further help please don't hesitate to visit your library's reference desk.

 

 

How do I get my NC LIVE Password?

The NC LIVE password is located on your customer account page.

To find your account page:

  1. Log on to the library's web site.
  2. Click on the [My Account] link at the top right.
  3. Enter your library card number with no spaces and the first four letters of your last name in the appropriate boxes, then click [Submit].
  4. The NC LIVE password will be right under you personal information block.

The NC LIVE Password is subject to change. If your password stops working you'll need to check back for the new password.

A Note About the NC LIVE Password...

This password is for CCPL&IC customers only, and is not to be shared with unauthorized users. Password abuse may result in the library and all of its customers losing access to NC LIVE, not only at home, but at all library locations as well.