Chapter 1. Self-Assessment Activities

Chapter 2. Learning Activities

Chapter 3. Learning Activities

Common Chat and E-mail  Abbreviations, Emoticons and Emoting

Chapter 4. Learning Activities
Learning Activity 4-1
Learning Activity 4-2
Learning Activity 4-3
Learning Activity 4-4

Core Reference Sources and Tools

The Virtual Reference Handbook: Interview and Information Delivery Techniques for the Chat and E-Mail Environments

Learning Activity 4-4. Checklist: Database Accessibility

Make a list of the databases your library's users have access to through the library or library organization. Use the Database Accessibility Checklist below to review those databases to better understand information delivery and access issues for each one.

1. Make a list of the databases your library or library organization has access to. For each database answer the following questions:

2. Do users have access to this database through the library's Web site?

   • If yes, How?

   • What is the address of the proxy server or other mechanism for access.

   • Is a login and password required or library card number?

   • How many users may access the database at the same time. e.g., one organization I've worked with has licensed the full-text NetLibrary database for their multi-campus libraries but only three students at a time may access it.

   • If no, Where and how will users access the database?

     • In the library via the Web?

     • In the library via CD or other local format?

3. Where are the search instructions?

   • Is there a link to search instructions on the library's reference Web page?

   • Are their links to locally created tutorials?

   • Are search instructions available in print or in a form that can be e-mailed?

4. Are users allowed to print records from the database? How often and what are the printing limitations e.g., numbers of pages, numbers of records, etc.

5. Are users allowed to download or save records from the database?

6. Can files be saved to be e-mailed , faxed or saved to flash/usb drives, CDs, DVDs, diskettes, or other electronic storage media? What are the limitations on saving records? number of records, file size or format?