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First Year Experience

Library resource guide for first year and new to Augustana students.

Database Speed Dating

During the library session, you will be doing a “database speed-dating” activity with 5-6 selected resources. In groups, you will be responsible for learning about one resource and creating a "profile" for that resource. Once each group has created a profile, we will rearrange the room to have different "rounds" to get to know each database. During the round, you will share information from your profile and any other important details about the database.

Each group has a set of specific guidance and instructions for their database, as well as their own profile cards. Be sure to pay attention not only to the results you see in your database, but also the functions, content, and special features you will want to highlight in your profile.

 

Meet the databases!

Academic Search

Ultimate

Communication & Mass

Media Complete

ERIC

 

JSTOR

OneSearch

Chronicle of Higher Education

Database used for the example:


Databases for the Speed-Dating Activity:

Making a profile: 

Each group will create a profile that will include the resource name (and/or nickname), details about the resource, potential interests and hobbies, and who might use the resource. Be creative and have fun with it!

The chart below includes some questions to help you get started.

 

Name: What is the name of the database? What is a nickname you could call it by?
About Me: What kinds of information are available in this database? What subject or source types can you find here? Is there anything else that stands out as unique or important? Use this information to create a “character” for your database.
Likes: Based on the “about me” section, what activities or hobbies might this database enjoy if it were a person? List 2-3 ideas.
Seeking: Who would this database be most helpful for? When might you use this database?


 

Sample profile for the database Opposing Viewpoints in Context

Name: Opposing Viewpoints in Context/ Opposing Viewpoints, but friends and foes alike call me Ovi
About Me: I like to consider multiple different perspectives before forming an opinion, and I am no stranger to talking about the deep stuff.
Likes: Lively debates and hot takes 
Seeking: Someone who is open to seeing both sides of a story.


 

Credit

Special thanks to Library Intern Rachel Witt '25 for her collaboration on developing this activity and designing the resources listed in this guide (Fall 2024).