Frequently Asked Questions:

Going Beyond Google @ PBCC

This FAQ goes beyond Google and answers questions about doing research for class assignments @ PBCC.

? How do I access PBCC databases from home or any off-campus location?

Go to the PBCC Library page, choose Articles & Databases, and then   Type your borrower ID (number beginning with 24901..) as found on your Panthercard.  Your PIN is MMYY of birth. 

 

For more detailed information about this access, read "Help! How do I login from home or off-campus?" on the Articles & Databases page.

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Why am I able to access a JSTOR article with Google Scholar while on campus, but not able to do so at home?  Does this happen with other databases?

All PBCC campus computers, whether in the library, labs, accessible through on-campus wireless system, or any other on-campus means are automatically authenticated to access all databases, thus allowing you to go directly to JSTOR or ANY database without borrower ID or any other form of authentication. 

 

There is no automatic authentication when using a computer off-campus.  If you use Google Scholar from home and find an article, but are unable to access the full text of the article, check with a PBCC librarian about retrieving the entire article .... or  . 

Periodicals are continuously published over specific time periods - periodically.  Examples include: a newspaper such as The Palm Beach Post (published daily) or a news magazine such as Time, Newsweek, or U.S. News & World Report (published weekly) or a journal such as Social Science Quarterly. 

 

The most recent issue of many periodicals are found on individual websites, but these websites often charge a fee to access past issues. 

 

Academic institutions such as Palm Beach Community College Libraries provide printed copies for some periodicals, but issues are available over a limited time period.  (See the PBCC online catalog, LINCCWeb Search and search by title of periodical / limit Format to Serials; see How do I determine if PBCC has a particular periodical?).

 

To search and retrieve the largest number of periodical articles - past and present, academic libraries provide databases.  Databases contain large collections of periodicals and are searchable by keyword(s). 

 

Go to the Articles & Databases page of the PBCC Libraries and choose on-campus or off-campus access.  (See How do I access PBCC databases from home or any off-campus location?)

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What is the difference between a magazine, newspaper, and journal?

• Magazines and newspapers are similar because these are published by owners of the publication(s) or corporations that hire reporters, columnists, and editors to write the articles.  Newspapers are usually published daily and magazines weekly or monthly. 
• Magazines and newspapers do not print references at the end of each article, but will incorporate the sources within the text of each article.
• Professional and research journals are tailored to specific professions and subjects. Like magazines, professional journals are often published by organizations that utilize editors, reporters, and columnists, but also draw from members of their professional community. 
• Some materials in professional journals are peer reviewed and include references at the end of each article. Peer reviewed means before being published, the articles are reviewed by colleagues from the same profession as the writers. 
• Typically, magazines, newspapers, and professional journals contain advertisements. 
• Magazines and professional journals are often published on a glossy stock of paper. 
• Research (or academic) journals are also peer reviewed and contain references at the end of each article. 

For more information, access Selecting the Correct Source on the PBCC Library Tips & Tutorials page.

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What is the difference between a Google web page and an article in a database? do I determine if PBCC has a particular periodical?