Searching and Using Library Databases

 Wiki Hint:  Use the right mouse click on any hyperlink to open the web page in a new window. 

There are many reasons to use library databases when conducting research:

• You can limit your search to academic or scholarly sources. These sources will most likely be peer-reviewed.
• You can find primary sources as well as analysis and criticism.
• You can usually find these sources in full text.
• By selecting databases by subject, you can make sure that your search results are in the right subject area and useful to you.
• The sources you find in databases can be very current, more current than is possible in published books.
• You can limit your search results to only the most recent materials.

If you are unsure how to use the library databases, the following demonstration will be helpful.

 

Searching and Using Databases.ppt

 

To get started, go the the library's database page. You can either use the box on the left to look for databases by subject or browse through all of them alphabetically.

If you need more information about using keywords in databases, visit the Google vs Library Databases wiki.

If you need help or still have questions, Contact a Librarian.