Computer and Library Learning (Archived)

Many of our customers are aware that Toronto Public Library provides access to a wide variety of databases that cover different topics. If only one had the time to learn more of them…One database worth investing the time in is the Canadian Points of View Reference Centre (produced by EBSCO). Many people already have some familiarity with CBCA (Canadian Business and Current Affairs), CPI.Q (Canadian Periodical Index) and Canadian Newsstand Major Dailies as sources for accessing information on Canadian topics within an electronic format.

One can access the database through library computers inside library branches or remotely through the Toronto Public Library website by clicking on Articles & online research, followed by A-Z List of All Databases (or alternatively through Canadian Resources). One must have a valid Toronto Public Library card to access the databases remotely.

Key topics are presented with an overview, a point or an argument, an opposing argument or a counterpoint, and a critical thinking guide. One can also access further information from Canadian magazines and newspapers, international magazines and newspapers, reference books, biographical essays, radio and television news transcripts, images and video.

The information coverage is rather current. For example, as of November 18, 2011, the database included media reports from November 15^th and 16^th about Bob Paulson likely to be appointed as the new RCMP Commissioner on Wednesday, November 16, 2011.  However, the authority file listing of “Alberta (Ed Stelmach, Premier)” under “View All Topics” has not been superseded by the listing of Alberta’s new Premier, Alison Redford.  Nonetheless, a keyword search on “Alison Redford” brought up a list of over 160 sources of information about Alberta’s new Premier.

Some patrons, including high school and post-secondary students, might like the accompanying “Research Guides” including: “Evaluating a Website”, “Judge Fact vs. Opinion”, “Writing a Persuasive Essay”, “Write a Thesis Statement”, “Writing a Topic Sentence”, and “Writing a Conclusion”. English as a Second Language (ESL) students may also find the database useful as many articles are accompanied by lexile or reading level rankings.