2.4 Databases

Databases are the third category of search tools we are examining in this chapter.

Databases

We use internet-based databases all the time. Usually, they collect a vast number of things of interest so we can find what suits our needs. Commonly, we’d use one to find a movie to watch, a song to listen to, a present to buy. Academic databases collect the same extensive amount of items but their scope is on knowledge and information. Databases vary by topic, but you’ll usually find within them scientific investigations, literary criticism, medical studies, political analysis, and beyond.

When you access the Database List that Steely Library makes available, you’ll be greeted with over 180 databases. That is an overwhelming number of options! To get started, the page recommends some general databases that are more accessible and useful.

You can also narrow down the list to those that are relevant to your major or field of study, by selecting one on the Subjects drop-down menu. These also have Research Guides available, a tool to find databases by subject[CI2.1]. Librarians tag databases for each major and compile targeted lists within the Research Guides.

For example, consider three different databases available at Steely Library that are recommended from Public Relations students: Communication & Mass Media Complete, Business Source Ultimate, and ABI/Inform Global. While there’s likely some overlap, each will contain some unique sources not found in another one.

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