We use the following system to arrange our databases:
PML -- These databases can only be accessed by Patchogue-Medford Library
patrons using their library card barcodes.
VRC -- These databases can be accessed by all Suffolk Web account holders.
LIB -- These databases may only be accessed from workstations in the Patchogue-Medford
Library.
SuffolkWeb accounts are free to all county residents. A SuffolkWeb account includes dialup access to the Internet and offers email, newsgroups, and Web access in addition to providing access to VRC databases. Patchogue-Medford residents can apply for an account by filling out an application at any public service desk (i.e. reference, young adult, children, circulation) in the library. It takes about two weeks to process your account. Residents of other Suffolk library districts should contact their local library for a SuffolkWeb application. More information on SuffolkWeb can be found here.
You can access the VRC databases by directly dialing in to SuffolkWeb. You can also access the VRC by configuring your current Internet Service Provider (ISP), such as AOL or Optimum Online to access the SuffolkWeb proxy server. The proxy server will work with most ISPs, but is not available for MSN or Web TV. Instructions are provided to configure your browser to access the VRC, but you will need to have your SuffolkWeb password and username before setting this up.
How are the library's databases arranged?
Our database pages are arranged in three ways -- alphabetically, by subject, and by the type of information found in the database.
The alphabetical listing provides links to all our databases. If you were using a database in the library or looking to see if we have a particular database, this should be the simplest method to find it.
The subject listing provides links to our databases arranged in 12 broad categories -- arts & humanities, auto repair, biography, books & literature, business, children's databases, community, education, encyclopedias, genealogy, health & medicine, law, magazine & newspaper indexes, music, science, and social sciences. You can browse through these categories and see if we have a database appropriate for your needs. The subject listing on our Web page corresponds to the subject arrangement we use on the computers in the library's reference department.
The listing by type of information attempts to arrange the databases by the kind of information contained in them. Many times people need to find a specific type of information, such as a book review, a map, a journal article, or literary criticism, but do not know the name of a specific database. This listing should make it easier to find the kind of information you are looking for.
We are also in the process of integrating our subscription databases into our Web Links. These pages will provide a mixture of links to our subscription databases and annotated Web resources chosen by librarians on staff.
Most of the subscription databases provide extensive online help files that you can access and search.
If you need more help, please contact the Reference Department at the library during regular library hours. We can help you search a database or advise you on the appropriate choice of a database(s) for your information needs.
After library hours, Monday through Thursday nights from 9 PM to 11 PM and Sundays from 5 PM to 11 PM, you can logon to the Live Librarian service and talk with an actual librarian who can help you with the Virtual Reference Collection databases and other Internet resources. Please keep in mind though, that Live Librarian is a countywide service and the librarian on duty may not always be from the Patchogue-Medford Library and have access to our resources.
The following Web pages offer sample citation styles for most of the major formats, such as APA, MLA, Turabian, Chicago, etc:
Electronic Citation Style Guide -- University of Texas/El Paso
Internet Citation Guide -- University of Wisconsin
Citation & Style Guides -- Concordia University Libraries
You will be provided with illustrated step-by-step instructions for connecting your computer to SuffolkWeb.
SuffolkWeb provides the instruction manuals online here, but you will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in order to view the files. This is a free download.
You can also view the SuffolkWeb FAQ files for help with particular questions about your SuffolkWeb connection.
If you still need help you can contact the Patchogue-Medford Library Technical Support Department by phone at 631-654-4700 ext. 517 or by email at ptchtech@suffolk.lib.ny.us.