Page banner with the Library's logo: "Library: Pitt Community College"

PCC Library Blog

Showing 4 of 4 Results

AI tools are not library databases. AI tools lack the curated precision of traditional databases but can provide quick answers and facilitate exploratory research. Some AI tools can assist in locating sources, but library databases remain the most reliable repositories of authoritative and scholarly information. A number of AI tools are paired with databases, or there are other forms of overlap, so it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms and content available through a tool or database. To ensure you are using the right tools and resources, ask a librarian.

Databases

Databases, such as library catalogs and scholarly databases provided by EBSCO, ProQuest, and Gale, are structured collections of information designed for precise retrieval and accountability. They are built with indexing, categorization, and metadata to ensure that users can locate specific resources, such as peer-reviewed articles, books, or data sets. Their reliability stems from the curation of content by experts and the use of standardized search mechanisms. Database users benefit from gaining specific knowledge of search techniques, such as Boolean logic and subject headings, which can be supported by consultations with librarians.

AI Tools

AI tools, such as natural language processing models and machine learning algorithms, are dynamic systems designed for a multitude of purposes. For the tools designed to locate sources of information, their methods for locating those materials or ensuring quality may not be readily transparent. Their strength lies in their adaptability and power to interpret natural language, making them accessible to users without specialized search expertise. However, most AI tools cannot guarantee the accuracy or source of their output.  

AI Tools Integrated into Databases

Several library databases are now incorporating AI tools, which essentially act as a research companion with AI-powered suggestions and insights. They enhance the user experience by combining the precision of traditional database systems with the dynamic capabilities of artificial intelligence. Their services range and may include: 

  • simplifying the search process
  • helping users craft more effective search queries
  • navigating through research materials
  • recommending results
  • analyzing results

Examples include: 

  • ProQuest Research Assistant
    • Currently available in ProQuest databaes provided by PCC Library and NC LIVE such as ProQuest Central, Ebook Central, etc.
    • Note their AI disclaimer: AI-generated content: quality may vary. Check for accuracy.

Screenshot of ProQuest's AI Resarch Assistant

  • EBSCO AI Insights
    • Currently available in EBSCOhost databases provided by PCC Library and NC LIVE such as Academic Search Complete, Business Source Complete, CINAHL, etc. 
    • Note their AI disclaimer: These insights are generated by AI based on the content of the source document. Information quality may vary and AI Insights should be validated for accuracy. Insights are newly generated with each request and are not reproducible.

Screenshot of EBSCO's AI Insights

Learn more about AI by exploring these research guides: Artificial Intelligence and Student Guide to Generative AI

 

Attribution: The content used in this post is from Artificial Intelligence: AI Tools vs. Databases and has been used with permission from Mary Rubin, Lily Dubach, and Lauren Kehoe, librarians at UCF Libraries. It has been modified to incorporate information specific to Pitt Community College. 

By setting up Library Links, you can access research articles licensed by PCC Library while using Google Scholar.

Go to Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com

If you have a Google account, go ahead and sign in. This way, you will always have your Library Link connected no matter where you log in to Google.

Click the sandwich menu in the top left.

Google Scholar menu

From the drop-down menu, choose Settings.

Google Scholar Settings

From the Settings menu, choose Library Links.

Google Scholar Library Links

In the search box under Show library access links for… type Pitt Community College.

Click the Search button.

Google Scholar Pitt Community College

Click to check the box next to Pitt Community College - Full-Text @ My Library.

You may also see options for PITT COMMUNITY COLLEGE-ProQuest Fulltext and/or Open WorldCat. You may check all three, but it is not necessary.

Click Save.

Google Scholar: Check options for Pitt Community College Library

When you log in to your Google account and search Google Scholar, you will see Full-Text @ My Library along with other links out to the sides of articles. 

To access the article, click one of the links out to the side (there may be more than one way to access an article). 

When you see . . .

  • No link out to the side - You can submit an Interlibrary Loan request and we will try to find access via another library

  • [PDF] URL from a school (.edu) or other website (.org, .com, etc.) - Click to open the article

  • ProQuest Fulltext - Available in one of PCC's ProQuest databases; Click the link, login to mypittCC, get the article

  • Full-Text @ My Library - Available in one of PCC Library's databases; Click the link, login to mypittCC, get the article

NOTE: When you click a link that goes to content available via a Library database, you will be prompted to login to myPittCC before you can access the article.

Google Scholar results list

If you have questions, or come across an article with a Full-Text @ My Library link that doesn’t actually take you to the article, please contact Angela Davis, PCC Librarian, at asdavis688@my.pittcc.edu

Updated: 5/30/2024 ASD

06/29/2022
profile-icon Angela Davis

Summer Reading

Hey Readers! 

You have lots of options for getting in a few good reads this summer. Check out what's new on our shelves and in our databases. New print bestsellers, e-books, and audiobooks are being added all the time. The best part is that if you can't find what you are looking for, we can most likely borrow it from another library . . . for free! 

Need ideas for what to read next? Give these a try.

  • You will need a password to access this database from off campus.
  • This resource is provided by NC LIVE.
A readers’ advisory resource that uses appeal factors and expert reviews to offer read-alike and listen-alike recommendations for fiction, nonfiction, and audiobooks. NoveList plus is a library database, so you will be prompted to enter your myPittCC credentials from off campus (do not include @my.pittcc.edu in the username).
 
Goodreads.com includes reviews by readers just like you. If you create an account, you can keep track of things you want to read, are reading, or have already read. There's a social element as well so that you can meet other readers along the way.
 
WhichBook.net allows you to browse books by mood & emotion, from a world map, based on plot, and more! This site does not require or even offer personal accounts. So browse to your hearts content.
 
If you find a book and want to know how to get the book through the library, just ask your librarians! We would LOVE to know what you're reading and what books you've read that you'd like to recommend. You can do that by adding a pin to our What are you reading? Padlet
 
Happy Reading!
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

ComicsPlus powered by Library Pass

PCC students, faculty, and staff now have unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from more than one hundred publishers. Every title is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on your computer, tablet, or phone. There are no limits as to how many people can access a single comic at any one time.

There are two ComicsPlus collections. One with access to everything for all age groups (including comics for adults), and another for children.

  • Login Required for Off-Campus Access

Access digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from more than one hundred publishers. Includes full access to material for all age groups: PreK - Adult. Read the Age-Appropriate Guidelines for more detailed information. You must have a myPittCC email account in order to access this resource.

  • Login Required for Off-Campus Access

New

Includes comics and graphic reading material for the following age groups: PreK - Grade 8/Ages 3-14. The vendor provides Age-Appropriate Guidelines with more detailed information. You must have a myPittCC email account in order to access this resource.

 

Read all the comics!

Access

  • You can find the ComicsPlus links on the Library's Databases page.
  • Only those with an active myPittCC account can access ComicsPlus. The community patron login will not work for this database.
  • Open ComicsPlus in a new tab or window.
  • You will be prompted to sign in to myPittCC before you can access the database.

Download the ComicsPlus App

You can access and download ComicsPlus app on Google Play and at the App Store.

Learn more . . .

Teaching and Learning with Comics

Provided email address is invalid.
Field is required.
Field is required.