What is a Database?

The Lane Library offers access to subscription databases. These generally give you easy access to magazine, newspaper, and journal articles. Most of these will be "full text" which means you get the complete article. They are called subscription databases because the Library subscribes, or pays money, in order to get access to them. 

Why use a database instead of Google?

There are advantages to using library research databases compared to the web.   Databases are more focused and tailored to meet student's needs.   The information tends to be:  

• Stable--if you found it once you can find it again. 
• Reliable-most information in databases is based on a print resource and has gone through a review process.  Anyone can publish to the web.
• Precise--you can refine your search to get close to the material you need.  Compare searching 50 articles relevant to your search to 50 million from the Web.

Library databases	Websites
Library databases get their information from professionals or experts in the field.	Websites can be written by anyone regardless of expertise.
Library databases contain published works where facts are checked.	Website content is not necessarily checked by an expert.
Library databases are easy to cite in a bibliography and may create the citation for you.	Websites often don't provide the information necessary to create a complete citation.
Library databases can help you narrow your topic or suggest related subjects.	Websites often aren't organized to support student research needs.
Library databases are updated frequently and include the date of publication.	Websites may not indicate when a page is updated.

 Self Test

 Question 1 (show/hide)

 

 

return to top | previous page | next page