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Electronic Database Instructions

The best way to learn how to use online databases is by actually going in and using them. Contact Sue Phillips, the Academic Resource Librarian, at suephil@mountainstate.edu for the required usernames and passwords.

SIRS Knowledge Source

SIRS is a full-text database covering social issues, the arts, and government documents.

Step 1: Click on the SIRS link.

Step 2: Enter the customer number and password.

Step 3: You have several options.

• Select an advanced level or topic search by clicking on the tabs at the top of the page.
• Select either a keyword/natural language, or subject search.
• Select a database(s) from among SIRS Researcher, SIRS Government Reporter, and SIRS Renaissance.
• Choose to sort your results by relevance or by date.
• Type in your search terms and click "Submit Search."

Step 4: Once the result list appears, select an article by clicking directly on the blue highlighted title to view it.

Step 5: To print, use your web browser’s printer icon button, or select "print" from the browser’s File menu.

NOTE: Each article has an option that allows you to e-mail the entry to your e-mail account.

Step 6: To exit, look in the SIRS command bar. In the upper right corner of that bar, click where you see "Log Out". The database will "ask" if you are “sure you want to exit this session”. If you are sure, click on "Exit Now”". Then exit the web browser.