RILINK: Database Assets: Database Assets

Harness the Power of Research Resources!

Important note: RILINK has a Group subscription to LibGuides, meaning that all members' sites' databases appear in a single Database Assets list. In order to create widgets that feature databases for just your school library, it is necessary to create Database Types that are named specifically for your school. More information on this is available on the "Review/Edit Database Assets" tab above.

Included with each RILINK Schools LibGuides CMS site is the ability to organize databases into usable, searchable sets of resources to maximize research productivity. This section of the Users Guide will discuss how to review, edit, organize, and display the database assets to which your school library subscribes.

What is a database?

Any online content can be classified as a database, but generally speaking, standard definitions apply. Most databases are

subscription-based
searchable
developed to include material in a variety of formats (text, audio-visual, maps, illustrations, primary sources, citations, etc.)
curated or peer-reviewed to ensure authenticity, credibility, and timeliness of content
devoted to a particular subject area or areas

Any databases to which your school library subscribes can be added to your list of Database Assets. If your students and faculty regularly use a favorite online resource that does not meet all of the above definitions, by all means, include it in your list of Database Assets!

What are Database Assets?

"Database Assets" is simply a LibGuides term for referring to databases--and to how they are organized in your LibGuides site. Please proceed to the next tab above ("Overview of Steps") to learn more.

The following steps are recommended for getting the most out of using Database Assets. Details about each step are provided on subsequent tabs. Additional information and training from RILINK Staff are available upon request.

1. Review and edit your site's existing Database Assets

2. Contact RILINK Staff to request to add (or delete) additional databases, database types, and database vendors

3. Create custom database asset widgets for display on your LibGuides or other website(s)

What are Database Types?

"Database Types" is the LibGuides term for the kind of database in use. Examples of database types include but need not be limited to

Full Text
Scholarly
Peer-reviewed
Scientific
Maps & Illustrations
Literary Criticism
Biographical
General Reference
Newspapers
Primary Sources

More than one Database Type may be assigned to a single database.

To review your site's list of Database Assets:

1. From the LibGuides dashboard, select Content > Assets

2. Click the A-Z Database List sub-tab

3. Sort the list by owner by typing your last name in the box immediately beneath Owner heading

4. To edit a database, click the "edit item" icon on the far right next to the name of the database you wish to edit

5. Make desired changes (see below) and click Save

6. Repeat for the next database you wish to edit

Tips to edit database content (upper view):

Tips to edit database content (lower view):

Tips to edit database content (Subject Assocations view):

Sample edited database:

Once you've reviewed and edited your site's Database Assets, why not create custom widgets to highlight database research resources and drive up your usage statistics?

Important note: RILINK's Group-level LibGuides subscription requires that all database widgets be filtered by Database Types that are specific to and created for your school library. Contact RILINK Staff for assistance.

Click here to view sample database widgets and resources!