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.
Encyclopedias
Grolier Encyclopedias Three encyclopedia databases that includes: Encyclopedia Americana, MultiMedia Encyclopedia, and The New Book of Knowledge.
World Book Online Articles from the 22 volume encyclopedia print set plus thousands more.
Health/Science
EBSCO General Science Collection Information on all aspects of the scientific world and articles from more than 60 science publications and a science encyclopedia.
Gale's Health Reference Center Academic information and articles on health related topics.
Science Reference Center 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ABC CLIO American/World History Historical reference material that covers ancient times to the modern era.
CultureGrams Cultures of 182 countries and territories, maps, statistics, glossary and 50 US states.
World Atlas Detailed printable full color maps of countries, provinces and states with up-to-date statistical & local information.
Literature/Language
BIP Fiction Connection Reader’s advisory database.
Literature Resource Center Comprehensive biographical and critical literature information.
NoveList K-8 Reader’s advisory database.
Teaching Books (Student Edition) Links to authors and books for children and young adults.
Magazines/Newspapers
Custom Newspapers Articles from 150 national and international newspapers.
Discovery Articles from periodicals on a wide range of topics.
eLibrary A broad collection of periodical and digital media content.
KidQuest Magazines Articles in magazines for children.
New York State Newspapers Articles from ten major newspapers published in New York State.
NewsBank KidsPage Articles from kids’ section in newspapers and magazines.
Newsday Newspaper articles from 1985–present.
Primary Search Articles from elementary school magazines with reading levels.
Proquest K-12 Comprehensive coverage of major newspapers.
SIRS Discoverer Articles and images appropriate for grades 1-9.
Topic Search Current events database.
U.S.A. Today Articles from this national newspaper.
Music/Art
Soundzabound.com Royalty-Free Music For Schools Audio for multi media presentations.
Reference
Wilson Biographies Plus Illustrated More than 111,000 biographies and obituaries and more than 32,000 photographs.
