Library Skill

IMC 406 – Library Skill DESCRIPTION OF ONLINE DATABASED

1.0 Introduction

It is very difficult to write even a simple essay without using web resources or offline
media. We are living in the age of the Internet, and thus, very often there is no need to leave the
comfort of your home in order to find necessary information. The Internet makes life easier, and
this statement is certainly true with the academic world. Writing tasks are very common in high
schools, colleges and universities. Thus, students are in a constant need of reliable sources of
information. Academic databases are perhaps the best places to look for academic information.
Sure thing, traditional web search can also yield positive results, but imagine databases that
contain only academic papers and other relevant information. A thorough search in academic
databases will most certainly end up with success.

As such, Perpustakaan Abdul Razak (PTAR) have been subscribing online databases to
facilitate students and academician to explore carious reference material which may enhance
knowledge and research study result. Each online databases have its own characteristics. Let’s
give brief overview popular academic online databases and their features.

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Question No. 1:

Select TWO databases that are available in PTAR portal.
Dscribe about the features (including Boolean search,
truncation, wildcard, search string, limitation and etc) or
basic elements of these databases, the ease navigation,
subject covered and etc.

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2.0 Overview of Databases

2.1 Emerald Management Plus Online Database

Background of Emerald

Emerald was founded in 1967 as an offshoot of the University of Bradford; Emerald Group
Publishing has come up as the world’s leading scholarly publisher of journals and books in
business and management with a strong and growing presence in disciplines including LIS,
social sciences, engineering, linguistics and audiology.

 All of the world's top 100 business schools (listed by the Financial Times Global MBA
Rankings 2010 – FT 100) have Emerald authors or Editorial Board members.
 All of Emerald research journals are peer-reviewed to ensure the highest quality.
 In 2009, more than 21 million Emerald articles were downloaded and read in research
and study. This equates to more than 50,000 a day, every day of the year.
 We encourage research excellence in management through the Outstanding Doctoral
Research Awards, in collaboration with the European Foundation for Management
Development (EFMD).
 We encourage global scholarship through partnerships and research awards with
CLADEA (Latin America), IAABD (Africa), CEEMAN (Central and Eastern Europe),
BMDA (Baltic region), AACSB (Americas) and the Global Foundation for Management
Education (GFME).

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2.2 BLIS – Bernama Library & Infolink Service

Background of BLIS

Bernama Library & InfoLink Service (also known as BLIS) is a unique database provided by
BERNAMA (Pertubuhan Berita Nasional Malaysia). This online database, consist of Malaysian
news, statistics, industry reports and bio-data of key personalities. Researchers, journalists,
government officials and business strategists can have access to a rich archive of news on
developments in Malaysia, industry reports, economic, trade and consumer statistics as well as
data on top personalities in Malaysia through an online information database. Content has been
compiled from BERNAMA's wire services, international news wire services and research
organizations.

Furthermore, BLIS which includes various kinds of information (local and foreign information).
With twelve main menus, as below :
 Bernama News
 Archival News
 Foreign News
 Info Providers
 Who's Who
 Speeches
 Sectoral Reports
 Databank
 Facts & Figures Directory
 Calendar of Events
 InfoLib

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3.0 Elements for Reviewing Online Databases

Both databases should be evaluated and reviewed based on below guideline.

Accessibility

Other Searching
Features Tehniques

Accuracy Subject

Based on my personal views, elememts above should be guided in view of evaluating and
reviewing both online databases. Above elements could be considered as an basic elements for a
good online databases. Further eloboration of those elements, is define as belows;

3.1 Accessibility

Accessibility is a general term used to describe the degree to which a product, device,
service, or environment is available to as many people as possible. Accessibility can
be viewed as the "ability to access" and possible benefit of some system or entity.
Online databases can be free and for major provider of Online Databases, password is
needed.

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3.2 Searching Techniques

Databases allow you to consult and to answer queries. The records retrieved can be
used to make decisions or support your research. Thus, search techniques for these
databases can vary widely. Searching techniques can be defined as the process or step
of getting the information using special elements or style such as Boolean Search,
Truncation / Wildcard or etc.

3.3 Subject

Subject matter covers, from Online Databases view can be defined as the topic covers
or what is all about and the content of the online database. Usually, we could see and
determine the subject matter coverage via Database Description. Thus, we should be
able to choose the right online databases to search or look for the topics or subjects
we need to fulfill our requirements.

3.4 Accuracy

Accuracy can be defined as faithful measurement or representation of the truth;
correctness; precision. From online databases view, we can define accuracy as the
correctness and the validity of the research paper consist in or via the database. The
paper should be accurate in view of getting a quality references material.

3.5 Other Features

A prominent or conspicuous part (easily see) or characteristic. This means, a good
online database consist of special offered features or attraction for making searching
steps was carried out easily.

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4.0 Description of Databases

4.1 Emerald Management Plus Online Database

4.1.1 Accessibility

This online databases may be accessed via Internet / Network. As to fulfill the needs and
to providing conducive reference material to academician, Perpustakaan Tun Abdul
Razak (PTAR) UiTM, have subscribed the service and the databases can be easily
accessed via PTAR’s webpage.

Figure 1 : Main screen of PTAR’s Library Webpage

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The site can be access either in campus access or off campus access which will result the
same outcome of the accessibility. Accessing to Emerald can be done by key in the
username and password provided by Library’s Officer.

Figure 2 : Online Databases Main Page – Login Page

By typing the ID and Password provided, the listing sites are accessible. The same
method can be done via Off Campus Access.

Figure 3 : Online Databases Main Page – Listing Page

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Emerald Management Online Database website has made default login by using the
same ID and Password key in earlier, in PTAR’s website.

Figure 4: Emerald Management Online Database Site – the same ID and Password is sufficient

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4.1.2 Searching Techniques

Searching Techniques Definition and its characteristics.

Boolean or Keywords
A keyword search is sometimes called a "Boolean search" and is a
commonly used method of searching for specific information in a
database. This search technique allows you to retrieve all records
from a database containing a particular word or a combination of
words. Such a search typically generates many results that may or
may not be relevant to the user's query. Boolean searches allow us to
combine words and phrases using the words and, or, not to limit,
widen, or define our search. Both databases above is default to these
Boolean search parameters. By performing a keyword search, the
words "and", "or" and "not" are known as Boolean operators
allow the substitution of symbols such as the plus sign (+) in place
of "and" and the minus sign (-) to denote "not."

Truncation
Truncation allows the user to search for all terms with the root word.
Different search engines use different symbols for truncation, but
the asterisk is quite commonly used after the word to symbolize
truncation. For example, 'comp*' will generate results with words
like computer, computing, comptroller, compete, competition,
competitive and competitor or ‘*ship’ which will resulted the words
such as librarianship, hardmanship and etc.

Wildcard A wild card can be used when searching for alternate spellings. It
usually replaces the letters within a word that has variable spellings.
For example, "organi*ation" will generate results with the word
"organization" (the American spelling) and "organization" (the
British spelling.)

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4.1.2.1 Boolean Search

Emerald databases offer a Keyword or Boolean Search to retrieve information.

Figure 5: Emerald Management Online Database Site – the Boolean searching

My hands-on towards Emerald using Boolean operators in a search query, generates
results that are more specific to our needs. For example, the query "Librarian and
Curator and Information Centre" will retrieve only documents containing all three
words. On the other hand, "Librarian or Curator or Information Centre" will broaden
the search, retrieving all documents with one or more of these words. The query
"Librarian and Curator not Information Centre" will retrieve all results containing
both Librarian and Curator but documents that contain the word information Centre will
be excluded.

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4.1.2.2 Truncation

In addition to Boolean Searching, Emerald offers Truncation Searching method. This
would helped us retrieves all material from the root word by placing * sign before or after
root word. The query "Financ*" will retrieve all results containing Finance, Financing
and Financial.

Figure 6: Emerald Management Online Database Site – the Truncation searching

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4.1.2.3 Wildcard

Our personal hands-on to database shows that Emerald does recognised or offered
Wildcard Searching method. The searching method helps us to deeply explore from other
sources especially from American and British spelling.

Figure 6: Emerald Management Online Database Site – the Wildcard searching

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4.1.2.4 Advance Search

As additional searching techniques, Emerald has offered Advanced Search to for and
combines terms used in our database to narrow down your search. The Advanced Search
will allow you to perform your word search within a specific field or fields (e.g.
Abstracts, Author and Article title).

Figure 7: Emerald Management Online Database Site – the Advance searching

Subject

Figure 8: Emerald Management Online Database Site – the Advance searching result

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4.1.3 Subject

Subject can be defined as a matter under consideration or what is all about. Thus, based
on research, Emerald covers matter or subject such as:

 Management (which include Finance, Accounting, Medical, Fashion and etc) ;
 Business ;
 Library and Information Sciences ;
 Social Sciences ;
 Engineering ;
 Linguistics ; and
 Audiology.

In a simple word and understanding, Emerald consists of Management’s field articles,
journal, and ebooks.

4.1.4 Accuracy

Based on our experience and hands-on towards Emerald, we conclude that Emerald is
reliable and trusted online database. Google Scholar can provide some overall references
for your paper. However, keep in mind that not all of the listings on Google Scholar are
scholarly journals, so you will need to evaluate each one. Yes, you can get FOC journals
from Google, but bear in mind, online databases such Emerald consists a periodical that
is written by scholars to share research and discuss important topics of a field. Many
scholarly journals are also peer reviewed or refereed, which means that the articles
within them have undergone a strict review from scholars in the field before being
accepted for publication. Thus, the reference material which obtained from
Emerald is valid and accurate for research and academic purpose.

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4.1.5 Other Features

Major features offered by Emerald Online Database, as detailed below ;

 Marked list – Which allows user to mark the reference material for citations purposes.
The marked materials will be transferred into bibliographic software such as EndNotes.

 Quick Access – Allows user to find reference material via Quick Access function, based
on subject matter, Journal’s title or Journal’s Publication.

 Latest News and Announcements – Facilitate users with latest announcement,
information and news from Emerald.

 Journal of The Week – Free Access to two (2) journals, for those who did not wished to
subscribe the service offered.

 Free Guide for Authors – on how to publish their papers.

 Help – online consultation on using the web.

 Learning Zone – online guide, for learner such University Students and Executives.

 Research Zone – online guide for researcher to design research study.

 Teaching Zone – online guide for teaching faculty in Business and Management.

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Other features offered, as illustrated below;

 Shortcut
of browsing  Shortcut of
books and linking to
journals Bibliographic
Database  Online Guide
for Engineer  What’s new at
Emerald?

 Highlights on
Forthcoming
Journals

 Free Librarian  Comments on the
Guide, solution website on areas for
 Free
to the issues improvement.
searching
method
tutorial
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5.0 Description of Databases

5.1 BLIS – Bernama Library and Infolink Service

5.1.1 Accessibility

This online databases may be accessed via Internet / Network. As to fulfill the needs and
to providing conducive reference material to academician, Perpustakaan Tun Abdul
Razak (PTAR) UiTM, have subscribed the service and the databases can be easily
accessed via PTAR’s webpage.

Figure 10 : Main screen of PTAR’s Library Webpage

18


The site can be access either in campus access or off campus access which will result the
same outcome of the accessibility.

Figure 11 : Online Databases Main Page – Login Page
By typing the ID and Password provided, the listing sites are accessible. The same
method can be done via Off Campus Access.

Figure 12 : Online Databases Main Page – Listing Page

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BLIS Online Database can be accessed or explore by key in other Password and
Username which can be obtain from Library Officer. Meaning, we need another
password to access BLIS.

Figure 13: BLIS Online Database Site – new ID and password needed.

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5.1.2 Searching Techniques

5.1.2.1 Boolean Search

While for BLIS databases, it offer a Keyword or Boolean Search to retrieve information.

Figure 14: BLIS Online Database Site – the Boolean searching

My hands-on towards BLIS using Boolean operators in a search query, generates results that are
more specific to our needs. For example, the query "Malaysia and Asia" will retrieve only
documents containing all two words. On the other hand, "Malaysia or Asia or Europe " will
broaden the search, retrieving all documents with one or more of these words. The query
"Malaysia and Asia not Asean" will retrieve all results containing both Malaysia and Asia but
documents that contain the word Asean will be excluded.

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5.1.2.2 Truncation

BLIS does not offer Truncation Searching method.

Figure 15: BLIS Online Database Site – the Truncation searching (Result : Only document with
Malay wording, appeared.)

5.1.2.3 Wildcard

BLIS does not offer Wildcard Searching method.

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Figure 16: BLIS Online Database Site – the Wildcard searching (Result : No Result)

5.1.3 Subject

Subject can be defined as a matter under consideration or what is all about. Thus, based
on research, BLIS covers matter or subject such as:

 General News on Malaysia ;
 Malaysian Economics News Collection ;
 Features and Special Report on Malaysia ;
 Local News (in Bahasa Melayu) ;
 Economics News (in Bahasa Melayu) ;
 News Summaries ;
 Press Released ;
 Archives on News Clippings ;
 Foreign News ;
 Info Providers such Department of Statistics and Malaysian Economic Planning
Unit ;
 Who’s Who – Info on politician and corporate figures ;
 Speeches Collection ;
 Sectorial Reports ;
 Facts and Figures – Statistic collection ; and
 Calendar of Events – Malaysia.

Basically, BLIS provides information of Malaysian’s news collections. It consists of
news paper collections, reports, and other related information with regards of
Malaysia. If you are doing a research on Malaysia, BLIS could be a perfect reference
source to be referred too.

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5.1.4 Accuracy

BLIS is an online database which is cited from news paper and press release material. As we
aware, newspapers and magazine is to entertain and provide invalidated information or findings.
It usually written by staff writers and be written a combination of new stories that attempt to be
objective. It was written to reflect the opinions and comments given by editors and guest
contributor. Thus, the references sources may not be suitable for research and academic study.

In addition, some of the info may be used in view to support your views and comments. It also
can be referred as an additional supporting material for the researches by using Facts and
Figures, Speeches and Sectorial Report to reflect your research. Beware, this periodical may not
be valid as it was by reviewed by an editor and not from a scholar or expert from the field.
Therefore, the info could be not sufficient.

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5.1.5 Other Features

Major features offered by BLIS Online Database, as detailed below ;

 Announcements – flashing current and latest announcement by Bernama

 Top News – flashing top news of a day.

 Major Product – Placed major resources at the main page, for easy navigation.

Other features offered, as illustrated below ;
 Shortcut to
other link.

 Shortcut to  Promotions
collections.
 Free trial for
 Customer potential users
service or
feedback
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6.0 Summary

You may have heard that "knowledge is power," or that information, the raw material of
knowledge, is power. But the truth is that only some information is power, such as reliable
information. Information serves as the basis for beliefs, decisions, choices, and understanding
our world. If we make a decision based on wrong or unreliable information, we do not have
power and we have defeat. The reliability of a source depends on context. Each source must be
carefully weighed to judge whether it is reliable for the statement being made and is the best
such source for that context. In general, the more people engaged in checking facts, analyzing
issues, and study the writing, the more reliable the publication.

Based on the study and hands-on on both databases, we may conclude that both Online
Databases has its own strengths and weaknesses. The accuracy of the data or information should
be strengthened to ensure the quality of information offers. BLIS should play bigger role in
collecting Malaysian Journal’s Author to publish their findings and study. BLIS may want to
compile all presented findings which held in Malaysia, in the database. User is looking forward
to have more accurate and reliable facts for academician and study. Therefore, Emerald has been
one of the best online database which provides valid and accurate journals to public.

In addition, accessing Emerald seems to be easy compared to BLIS. BLIS requires another
password which may be a barrier for user to log in. The password which we have key-in via
UiTM Library;s webpage should be sufficient in view of easy and user friendly log in into the
database.

BLIS should enhance their searching techniques to facilitate user’s exploring in view of getting
the information. While Emerald, new searching techniques should be implemented to ensure
accession of information is successful. Both databases should be ready to incorporate more
subject and scope in the database. The more subject and scope it covers, the more reference
materials will offer more fruitful choice of research topics.

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Overall, it depends on your needs. As we have done a review for both, we may summarized that
Emerald’s collection is tailored made for us. With a wider scope covers, we could choice the best
references sources that we need to support our research. Journals that are in Emerald was
validated and peer reviewed by expert in the said field to ensure the research and finding is
relevant and assured reliable to set a standard for quality of its service. By using Emerald, it
could save our time as we can find not only scholarly journals but also books and other related
materials, by just simple log in and clicking the search buttons. In other hands, it offers a journal
or study from international research but also globally including Malaysia’s Reseracher, for
example our Professor Adnan Jamaludin and Dr. Aliza, to ensure it cover global perspective
coverage. With Emerald, your references material is just about a click…

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Question No. 2 :

Select ONE of those database, choose a topic and do a
search for articles and describes the steps that you have
followed until you get a result. Attached one complete
article (full text) from your result as a proof of your search.

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7.0 Searching an articles from Emerald Management Plus online database.

Step 1:

 Log in to UiTM PTAR Library Website. www.http://library.uitm.edu.my
Bear in mind, the linking maybe slow due to flash illustration on the land page.

29


Step 2:

 Under eResources, click Online Databases.
 By clicking on the link, you will be forward to the next steps.


Step 3:

 You are now in Library Online Databases webpage.

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Step 4:

 You may want to use EZAccess Login (off-campus access), to be linked to
your require online database.

If you wish to be
forwarded to list of
online databases,
click here.


We prefer to Login


first, to view online
databases listing.

Note: Please get
password and ID
from Librarian.



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Step 5:

 You are now in UiTM Library Online Databases Listing Page.
 Click on require Online Database based on your reference topic and subject.

We wish to refer on
Talent Management
reference material.
Thus, we have
chosen Emerald
Management Plus,
as it covers on
Management
Subject.



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Step 6:

 You will be transferred to a new window.
 You are now in Emerald Management Plus Website.
 Bear in mind, password and id is not required, as you have logged in earlier
via EZAcess.



Step 6:

 You can now start your searching.
 Remember, your topic should be synchronized with the subject covers.

33


Step 7:

 Searching methods like Boolean, Truncation, Wildcard can be used to
specify your searching result.
 We have chosen to perform Boolean searching method to search Talent
Management Subject.



Key in your subject
by using Boolean
Searching
Techniques.

And click GO



Step 7:

 Be patient, as the database is doing its searching of the said topic.

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Step 8:

 The result of searching has been displayed.
 You have the choice to select best result for either Journal, Books and
others
to simplify or deeper your search.

Choose your media

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Step 9:

 We have chosen Journals for our searching.
 The number of listing has reduced.
 You may now search for the journal and download the file.
 You may also use marked the box, to transfer bibliography details to
Endnotes software.
 You may also modify your search, or do a new search.
 If you wish to get an idea on topics, abstract can be showed by clicking
Abstract link.



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Step 10:

 The journal ready to be downloaded.
 Save the file in your drives.

File has been
downloaded

Also used this
features to
transfer
bibliographic
details to
Endnotes
Software

Save your file

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Step 11:

 The downloading is completed.

Step 12:

 The file is now yours.
 Ready to be reviewed.
 The original downloaded file, is attached.

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8.0 References

1. Emerald. In Advance Search. Retrieved 22 February 2011, from
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/.

2. BLIS - Bernama Library and Infolink Service. Retrieved 22 February 2011, from
http://blis.bernama.com/.

3. UiTM - Universiti Teknologi MARA. In Library - Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak
(PTAR). Retrieved 22 February 2011, from http://library.uitm.edu.my/v1/.

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9.0 Appendixes

Appendixes –

The searched document/journal

From Emerald Management Plus

Topic : Talent Management

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