1: Database navigation

Database Navigation for Ancient History Hobbyists

What Are Databases?
Think of databases as digital libraries storing organized collections of information. For ancient history, they include archaeological findings, academic journals, historical texts, and museum archives. Unlike a general web search, databases offer curated, reliable sources—vital for accurate research. Examples include JSTOR (free via many libraries), Google Scholar, and specialized ones like the Perseus Digital Library for classical texts.

Why Use Them?

1. Quality Control: Databases filter out unreliable websites, prioritizing peer-reviewed articles and primary sources.
2. Efficiency: They save time by aggregating relevant materials in one place.
3. Depth: Access niche resources (e.g., translations of Mesopotamian tablets or Roman tax records) unavailable elsewhere.

Getting Started

1. Access:

   • Public Libraries: Most offer free database access with a library card. Ask librarians about history-specific tools.
   • Free Online Portals: Start with Google Scholar, Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), or WorldCat (a global library catalog).
   • University Resources: Some institutions grant public access to their libraries or open-access databases.

2. Basic Search Techniques:

   • Keywords: Use specific terms like “Bronze Age trade routes” or “Olmec iconography.” Avoid vague words (“ancient stuff”).
   • Filters: Narrow results by date, region, or source type (e.g., “articles,” “images,” “primary sources”).
   • Boolean Operators: Combine keywords with:
     • AND (“Sparta AND women” finds sources mentioning both).
     • OR (“mummification OR embalming” broadens results).
     • NOT (“Aztec NOT Spanish” excludes unrelated hits).

3. Navigating Results:

   • Scan titles and abstracts to gauge relevance.
   • Look for “Download PDF” or “Full Text” links.
   • If a source is behind a paywall, note its details. Librarians can often retrieve it for free.

Pro Tips

• Bookmark Key Databases: Save links to free repositories like Internet Archive or Project Gutenberg for primary texts.
• Citation Tools: Use built-in database features (e.g., “Cite” buttons) to generate references instantly.
• Stay Organized: Track searches in a document: keywords used, databases tried, and useful finds.

Practice Example
Want Mayan agricultural practices? Try:

1. Open JSTOR via your library’s website.
2. Search: Maya AND agriculture AND (Classic Period OR Preclassic Period).
3. Filter by “Archaeology” and “1990–2024.”
4. Skim abstracts; download open-access papers.

With these basics, you’ll uncover scholarly gems efficiently—no advanced tech skills needed!