Online Databases, Winchester Public Library, Winchester, MA

Library databases contain information from published works in which the facts have been checked -- for example, from magazine and newspaper articles,encyclopedias and other reference books.Library databases often contain full-text articles that you can print or email. Library databases are searchable by Keywords, Subject, Author, Magazine Title, Date, etc. Library databases provide citation information: Author, -- Title -- Publication information -- Date of Publication.Like websites, library databases are available 24/7. However, database articles are taken from published sources; their content is identical to the original printed magazine, newspaper or encyclopedia article. Therefore they may be used as books or magazines would be used and are not considered general "internet sources" for school reports.

The information above that describes databases is adapted from the Hennepin County Library website's Reference and Research page.

TROUBLESHOOTING DATABASE ACCESS

If you have trouble accessing a database at home, and you use a firewall, try disabling the firewall for the time you are using the database. Remember to enable the firewall when you're through using the database! For additional troubleshooting tips, click the Minuteman Library Network's home access page and scroll down to the section titled "Having trouble ..."

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Rosetta Stone -- Available online through the Library only
until April 15, 2008

Rosetta Stone, a terrific computer-based program for learning languages, is now available for use by everyone on the Library’s Internet computers and also from home for Winchester residents who have a Winchester Public Library card. If you are a Winchester resident who holds a Minuteman Library Network card from another town, you may trade in your old card for a Winchester card at no charge.The two languages available for study at this time are ENGLISH (for speakers of other languages) and LATIN AMERICAN SPANISH. Here’s how to access Rosetta Stone from home:

In the yellow HOME ACCESS box at the top of this page, click on the link Eight databases.
Enter your complete Minuteman library card number, with no spaces, and click on “login.”
Click on Rosetta Stone, and then on Register.
Enter a User Name and a Password, and write them down for future reference. You will need them every time that you access Rosetta Stone. Your User Name and Password can be anything that you would like. They are not connected to your library record.Enter your Winchester Public Library card and your email address. (You will not be asked for your library card again when you log onto Rosetta Stone.)
After you register, you will be asked to download a Shockwave plug-in if it is not already installed on your computer.

If you have difficulty with accessing this or any other database, please call the Reference Desk at 781-721-7171 ext. 20 during regular library hours for assistance.

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