Sachem students and staff members have access to a large number of 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 are able to access the databases. The databases are accessible through the Virtual Reference Collection (VRC). The VRC can be found on the library’s computers by clicking on the “Bookmarks for Samoset Library” and opening the “Virtual Reference Collection” folder. 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. To access the Virtual Reference Collection from any other Internet-connected computer you can type the following URL (web address) in the address line. (Be sure to ask your school librarian for user names and passwords.)

http://xaaa.calypso.scoolaid.net/bin/vrc/vrcList?level=ms&p=m1

On this page you will find a partial list of the databases included in the Middle School Resources.

Health/Science

Science Reference Center  Comprehensive research database encompassing all disciplines of science.

 History/Geography

ABC CLIO American/World History  Historical reference material that covers ancient times to the modern era.
World Atlas  Combines detailed printable full color maps of countries, provinces and states with up-to-date statistical & local information.

Magazines/Newspapers

Custom Newspapers   A collection of articles from 150 national and international newspapers.
Education Periodicals  Search professional magazines and periodicals related to all aspects of education.
eLibrary  A broad collection of periodical and digital media content.
Facts for Learning  Links to reference articles for elementary and middle school students.
KidQuest Magazines  Search for articles on your topic in magazines for children.
New York State Newspapers  Full-text articles from ten major newspapers published in New York State.
NewsBank KidsPage  Articles from kids’ section in newspapers and magazines.
Newsday  Newspaper reporting on news and events in the New York City area from 1985–present.
Primary Search  Contains full text articles from more than 60 popular, elementary school magazines (with assigned reading level). 1990-present.
Proquest Multiple Databases  Contains comprehensive coverage of major newspapers.
SIRS Discoverer  Contains full-text articles and images from thousands of domestic and international publications appropriate for grades 1-9
Topic Search  This current events database allows researchers to explore social, political & economic issues, scientific discoveries and other popular topics discussed in today’s classrooms. 

Reference

CultureGrams Cultures of 182 countries and territories, maps, statistics, glossary and 50 US states with timelines.
Discovery  Contains articles from periodicals covering a broad range of subject areas.
EBSCO Animals  Articles talk about the nature and habitat of familiar animals.
Grolier Encyclopedia Americana  Encyclopedia articles written for older students and adults.
Grolier MultiMedia Encyclopedia articles with emphasis on visual and audio materials.
Grolier The New Book of Knowledge  Encyclopedia articles written at the elementary grade level.
Soundzabound  Provides music that is background audio for Power Point, video productions, plays, morning news shows, and other multi media presentations. 
Teaching Books (Student Edition)  Links to authors and books for children and young adults.
Wilson Biographies Plus Illustrated  Contains more than 111,000 biographies and obituaries and more than 32,000 photographs.
World Book Online  This premier online reference source contains every article from the 22 volume encyclopedia print set plus thousands more.

Teacher Resources

Community Resource Database of Long Island  12,000 entries of health and human services located throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center)  Contains more than one million abstracts of documents and journal articles on education research and practice.
Health and Wellness Resource Center  Magazines, journals, newspapers, definitions, directories and information on health related topics.
Twayne’s Authors Series  Literary criticism, introductions to the lives and works of writers, literary movements and genres.