Search Tools: Databases

Search Tools: Databases

A research database lets you search across the text of millions of articles published in thousands of academic journals. General databases have a little bit of everything, like a big retail store. Examples of general databases include Google Scholar and the library’s One Search. For topics that you may choose to explore in WRIT 102, we also recommend Academic Search Premier and CQ Researcher. These are good starting points when you’re just beginning your research and shopping around for articles on a wide range of topics; however, we call them “starting points” because you may find there are too many search results to sift through, even with narrow search terms. If you’re getting too many irrelevant results when searching for sources, try not only adjusting your search terms, but also consulting a specialized database.

Specialized databases, like a boutique, contain lots of relevant research on a particular subject/discipline (e.g., psychology) or format (e.g., streaming video). When you’re getting too many irrelevant results in a general database, it can help to try your search in a more specialized database closely aligned to your topic. The number of results you get will be smaller, but the content will be more relevant. Examples of specialized databases include SocINDEX with Full Text, Political Science Complete, and Gender Studies Database.

Why Use Databases?

You are probably already comfortable with using Google and other search engines, so why take the time to learn about library databases? Well, while they make take some getting used to initially, library databases are far superior for academic research and can provide lots of pertinent results in a fraction of the time you’d need to find the material in a search engine. Here are some other reasons that databases are so valuable:

  • You can access tons of scholarly journal articles as well as find books, reference book articles, popular magazine articles, and newspaper articles.
  • Materials in databases are generally evaluated for accuracy and credibility by subject experts and publishers.
  • Databases are reviewed and updated regularly.
  • Library database subscriptions are paid for through your library so you don’t have to pay for articles.
  • The search capabilities enable you to search for focused results.
  • Published content from journals, magazines, newspapers and books does not change.
  • Most materials remain in databases for a significant length of time and can be easily retrieved again.
  • Many databases include a citation tool that will automatically generate a MLA or APA style reference for the article you select. You may still need to “tweak” this citation, but these tools serve as a good starting point for citing your articles in a particular format.
  • Databases don’t have sponsors, pop-ups, or advertisements.