eLibrary Elementary Database Information

eLibrary Elementary is a database designed for the research and reference needs of elementary-aged children.  There are three entry points to explore information, found in the top three tabs. 

The first tab is the "Search" tab, which allows kids to use natural language (default) or to search with Boolean Operators.  Eye-catching icons guide children to narrow the types of information they'd like to search for, including Newspapers, Magazines, Books, Maps, Pictures, Audio/Video, and Transcripts.  For more experienced searchers, there is an Advanced Search box at the bottom.

The second tab is the "Topics" tab, which provides searchers with a hierarchy of topics that easily correlate with school subjects.  This point of entry guides children through the subject browsing process through the use of a tree metaphor.  This helps children distinguish between subjects and specific documents.

The third tab is the "Reference Desk" tab, which prompts searchers to enter topics or keywords into the "What would you like me to look up for you?" search box.  This differs from the Search tab, in that the searched sources include traditional reference options such as Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedias, Almanac, and Atlas. 

Each tab has a separate help page with specific tips for each particular search interface.