SIRS Knowledge Source
Online Database User’s Guide
Use SIRS Knowledge Source to access selected full text articles and graphics from more than 1,500
periodicals covering social, scientific, health, historic, economic, business, political, and global
issues. With a Library card and PIN, you also have access to SIRS Knowledge Source from work or
home.
Getting Started
Begin at the Library’s home page: www.ocls.info. Select Virtual Library, then choose Online
Databases. SIRS Knowledge Source may be found in the Global Issues category. Choose Listed
by Name from the left hand column to see an alphabetical list of all databases.
Once accessed, a screen similar to the one shown will appear.
To begin:
1 Enter your topic in the space
provided.
2
Choose Subject Headings
or Keyword/Natural
Language Search.
2
3
Choose to sort your results
3 by relevance or by date.
Enclose phrases (i.e. “drug abuse”) in quotation marks.
Advanced Search
Use the Advanced Search to search
multiple fields including author, title
and graphic captions. Boolean
operators (and, or, not) are also
available in drop-down menus.
www.ocls.info
(Rev 01/06)
1
Topic Browse
Use Topic Browse to narrow
your topic from the general
categories to specific issues.
Categories include Business,
Environment, Family, Health
and Science.
More Features
Other SIRS features include a Dictionary, Thesaurus, and Citation Guidelines. These are available
from the upper right hand corner of the screen.
Choose the Database Features tab for more information from SIRS. Features include Today’s
News, Leading Issues, Maps of the World and Suggested Research Topics.
Getting Help
The Help link is located in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Library staff are also available
to offer assistance. Just ask!
What is the Virtual Library?
The Online Databases are just one of the many resources available through the Orange
County Library System’s Virtual Library. Other useful resources include:
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NetLinks to popular and useful web sites
Online Tutorials for software and library technology
Online Videos
E-Books
and much more!
Contact us to ask reference questions, to request Library materials and to obtain Library information.
Phone: Quest Line 407.835.7323 ● TDD: 407.835.7641 ● Online: www.ocls.info