Digital Resources

 

Digital Resources

The Wayne Hills High School Media Center has over 35 databases. See content and access details below.  But first…

What’s a database?

A database is a collection of information that is organized so as to be easily searchable.  Our databases were created to provide quality, reliable, homework-appropriate information that you can use for school assignments.  We have databases for all subject areas, including English, History, Science, Health, etc.  Our databases are searchable by keyword, title or author.   You can also search for specific types of documents, like literary criticism, essays, primary sources, magazine or newspaper articles, websites, images, etc.  All database search “returns” (or hits) can be saved to your student folders, emailed home or printed.  You can access the databases from school or home – 24/7.

Why is a database better than a free web search engine like Google?

Google is best if you’re looking for non-academic information, like the latest sports or music news or the price of a car that you’re interested in buying.  But for locating reliable academic information, Google isn’t so useful.  It will direct you to websites authored by people who may or may not be giving you the correct information.  How can you tell if the information is good?  Well, you can’t.  Our databases, on the other hand, will give you information that is reliable, written by experts and appropriate for research.

Using a database is also faster and easier than using a free web search engine like Google.  Google will give you 500,000 returns for your search…and most of those returns are links to commercial websites that won’t have reliable, homework-appropriate information.  Why search through so many inappropriate returns when the database will give you 5-20 good returns? 

Besides, your parents paid for these databases with their property tax dollars, so you should use them!

How to Access the Databases

Click here to Access Media Center Database Page -this link works only if you are in the school building.

To Access the Gale Databases if you are not in school, Click Here:

Gale Databases Portal Page

The Gale Databases are:

Literature Resource Center

Opposing Viewpoints

Health Resource Center

History Resource Center- US

History Resource Center- World

Coin Career Library Database -click here to access

In this database, you can find general career information.  You can also take surveys that assess your skills and interests.  Answering the survey questions will provide you with career choices based on your answers.  For your logon userID and PW, please see Ms. M or the yellow pamphlet in the Media Center.

Teen Health and Wellness Database - click here to access

Use this database for research on issues ranging from drugs and alcohol, to disease, mental health, life skills and safety issues.

Database User ID & Password

For copyright reasons, your user IDs and passwords can’t be provided on this publicly accessible website.  Please be aware that local and remote access require separate user IDs and passwords. User IDs and passwords are available from any of us in the Media Center and in Media Center handouts.  Please don’t hesitate to ask. 

For tips on how to effectively search these databases, speak with the Media Specialist or pick up one of our pamphlets.