Online Databases & Research Resources

Below you will find several popular online databases. Students may visit the Library to obtain login and password

OPAC
Online Patron Access Catalog (OPAC) is a program which allows library users or library ‘patrons’ to search a library online.
You can access OPAC two ways

• Type https://opac.libraryworld.com in your web browser
• Mobile Apps!LibraryWorld Search for Apple and Android lets you search your library from anywhere and anytime you have access to your smart mobile devices.Available from Apple’s App Store and Android Market for free today!

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The Big6™ Skills

(from Big6.com)

The Big6 is a process model of how people of all ages solve an information problem. From practice and study, we found that successful information problem-solving encompasses six stages with two sub-stages under each:

1. Task Definition

1.1 Define the information problem

1.2 Identify information needed

2. Information Seeking Strategies

2.1 Determine all possible sources

2.2 Select the best sources

3. Location and Access

3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)

3.2 Find information within sources

4. Use of Information

4.1 Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch)

4.2 Extract relevant information

5. Synthesis

5.1 Organize from multiple sources

5.2 Present the information

6. Evaluation

6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)

6.2 Judge the process (efficiency)

People go through these Big6 stages—consciously or not—when they seek or apply information to solve a problem or make a decision. It’s not necessary to complete these stages in a linear order, and a given stage doesn’t have to take a lot of time. We have found that in almost all successful problem-solving situations, all stages are addressed.

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Questionable/Unreliable  Sources

1. Wikipedia or any ‘wiki’Blogs
2. Word of mouth
3. Social Networking

Good Sources

1. Books
2. Magazine, Articles & Journals
3. Videos – Be careful of YouTube
4. Online – Official organizations. (.org, .gov, .edu, etc., to be safe)
5. Interviews with subject matter experts (by phone or in person)

How do we Cite?

1. Updating page to include MLA 8th ed. information.  Check for updates online.

Helpful links by Subject

Patron Saint Index (also refers to additional sources)
https://catholicsaints.info/saints-p/

The Holy See (English)
https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html

Papal Documents (English)
https://www.vatican.va/offices/papal_docs_list.html

Franciscan Media
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-martin-of-tours

Catholic Online & Saints and Angels
https://www.catholic.org/

Catholic Research
https://www.catholicresearch.org/

The Catholic Encyclopedia
https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/

Catholic News Agency (in English) – YA source
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/

History

The National Archives (United States)

The National Archives Virtual Museum (United Kingdom)

Art History Resources on the Web

Getty

History Channel

Classics

Eighth Day Books

The Literature Network

Science

Chemicool

Wolfram Alfa

Science Fair Resource Guide

Movies

IMDB

Business

https://www.business.com

http://forms.findlaw.com

Newspapers

http://www.findarticles.com/

Safe Kids Links

International Library Link for Kids