Question
This answer explains what the library databases are and how to get to them. See "How do I search for an article?" for more tips on using the databases.
Answered By: Alex Boyd Last Updated: Aug 04, 2020 Views: 755
What are library databases?
Library databases are subscription services that offer access to electronic resources. You can think of them as being sort of like Netflix or Hulu, but for academic content. Most of the databases include articles from many different periodicals (magazines, newspapers, and scholarly journals). A few offer just one periodical, or other types of content, such as streaming videos or reference books (i.e., encyclopedias, specialized dictionaries, etc.).
In addition, some databases are focused on a specific subject area, like Criminal Justice or Literature, while others cover a variety of disciplines. See how do I choose which database to search for my topic? for more information.
Where do I find the library databases?
The library's databases are listed here. You can also reach this list from the library homepage: just click "Articles and More (databases) in the dark-pink menu on the left.
Clicking on any database title opens the database. If you are logging in from off campus, you will need to enter your L number and last name. For more information, see I am having trouble logging in to a database.
Why should I use a library database instead of just searching the internet?
Library databases include a lot of content that is either unavailable on the open web, or being a paywall. Often, database articles will be longer and more in-depth than the ones that come up at the top of a Google search.
Additionally, content that has been included in a database has been through at least some filtering for quality and reliability: the database company decided that the periodical is worth including in the database, and the editors of the periodical decided that the article is worth printing. You still need to make your own decision about the source's suitability for your purpose, but you won't get, for example, hoaxes or another student's paper on your topic.
Finally, a library database gives the experienced searcher a lot more control over the search. Internet search tools, like Google, use other users' behavior--what they clicked on after entering a search that is similar to yours--to guess what you really want. When you're looking for something that a lot of other people have also looked for, this feature can be really helpful--but if you're trying to do something different, it can backfire.