Samoset Middle School
Virtual Reference Collection Information
Sachem students and staff members have access to many databases both at school and at home. Databases are a computerized collection of reference materials. Every Internet-connected computer, in classrooms, labs, the school library, and at home can access the databases. The databases are accessible through the Virtual Reference Collection (VRC). The Virtual Reference Collection (VRC) can be accessed from the library computers’ desktops by opening the “Library – MS – Shortcut” icon.
You can also access the VRC from the Library link at the Samoset Middle School’s web site.
http://www.sachem.edu/schools/samoset_library
To access the Virtual Reference Collection from any other internet-connected computer you can type the following URL (web address) in the address line.
http://xaaa.auth.orc.scoolaid.net/bin/dblisting#top
Please ask your school librarian for user name and password
When you open the VRC you will be able to access the VRC Middle School Collection of databases. These databases were selected as the most appropriate for meeting the research needs of the middle school population. Select the database you want to use and open it.
On this page you will find a partial list of the databases included in the Middle School Resources.
Bibliographic Utilities
NoodleTools Tools for source evaluation, note-taking, outlining, document archiving and citation.
Biography
Biography Reference Center A comprehensive collection of more than 450,000 full text biographies.
E-books
DK Eyewitness eBooks Over 50 titles with full text and color illustrations.
Rosen Interactive eBook Collections Includes CyberSmarts, Internet Do and Don’t.
Encyclopedias
Britannica Academic Encyclopedia articles plus other research tools.
Britannica School Four complete encyclopedias and other information resources.
World Book Online Comprehensive reference source with every article from the print encyclopedia.
Health
Teen Health & Wellness Topics include diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, mental health, suicide, bullying, green living, financial literacy, and more.
History/Geography
ABC CLIO American/World History Historical reference material from ancient to modern times.
ABC CLIO American Government Comprehensive information about the U.S. government.
CultureGrams Cultures of 182 countries and territories, maps, statistics, glossary and 50 US states.
History Study Center Historical reference material that covers 14 centuries of history.
World Geography and Culture Online Maps with statistical and local information.
Literature/Language
NoveList Plus Reader’s advisory database.
Teaching Books Links to authors and books for children and young adults.
Magazines/Newspapers
Kids Quest Magazines Articles from over 80 magazines just for kids.
ProQuest (Multiple Databases) Comprehensive coverage of 7500+ magazines and newspapers.
SIRS Discoverer Contains full-text articles, images, maps, current events, biographies, special features.
SIRS Issues Researcher Contains thousands of articles exploring social, scientific, health, historic, business, economic, political, and global issues from 1,500 domestic and international publications.
Topic Search Current events database.
Mathematics
GALE Math Collection E-books about mathematics and mathematicians.
Music/Art
Britannica Image Quest Access two million rights cleared images from the best collections in the world.
Soundzabound Audio for multimedia presentations.
Pro/Con
ABC-CLIO Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society Information on controversial issues.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context Research materials on controversial issues.
Science
Lincoln Library–Factcite 123 7 information modules covering the following subjects: Animals, The Planets, Biography, Mythology, The Elements, Biomes and Countries for primary grades.
Social Studies
Lincoln Library – Mythology Articles on Greek, Roman and world mythology.
Middle School (Gale in Context) Cultures, government, people, U.S. history, sports, world history, geography, literature, science, and social issues relevant to middle school students.