Submitted October 31

When I first visited this database earlier in the semester, I simply did not get it.  I vaguely remember being exposed to the database, but not really understanding its scope, purpose, use, etc.  This assignment gave me a reason to revisit the database/website in the hopes of coming away with a better understanding of the material it provides. 

            Now that I have more knowledge about ready reference needs, I can see how this database is used.  For example, I remember having problems locating information on the American Association of School Librarians.  At the time, I felt like I had found the information in a roundabout sort of way.  Now I know that I should have consulted Gales to find the “quick” information. 

            I began this “tour” on the index page.  I found this to be quite useful.  For example, I learned that the database contains over 355,000 entries from fourteen reference directories.  Similarly, I learned that the entries are divided into three types of files: organizations, publications, and databases.  As I continued to scroll down the index, I also learned that there were different ways to search: by name, location, subject, extended search (which allows users to search multiple fields) and expert search (which allows users to strategic structure their searching method).  In order to test whether or not Gales is user friendly, I decided to execute an organizational search for “American Association of School Librarians.”  Once I found this organization, an examination of the actual entry revealed the following: address, phone number, fax number, email address, URL address, related publications, contacts, the year in which the organization was founded, notes on the organization, awards, publications, subject descriptors, subject categories, SIC, and organization type.

            After examining this entry, I took a moment to look over the “search tips” section.  Topics in this section included field length, punctuation, pluralization (as an alternative to truncation), and truncation.  I have decided that if I am going to take the time to search for information on a database, it is well worth the extra few minutes spent reviewing not only search tips, but tutorials in general.  This will ensure that I am searching in the most efficient manner and getting the most out of what I can from the database.  I now that feel that Gales is a useful tool to have in my reference field background, and in the future, I will be able to confidently refer it to patrons.