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Research 101 Spring 2022: Searching Databases from the Library's Homepage

Databases

Databases are by subscription only and the library pays a lot of money to acquire these reliable sources for students. Please take advantage of this privilege while you are a student at QCC. Once you graduate you no longer have access to these dtabases.

What is a database

What is a library database?

  • Library databases contain information from published works.
    • Examples: Magazine and newspaper articles,encyclopedias and other reference books.
  • Library databases are searchable.
    • By Keywords, Subject, Author, Magazine Title, Date, etc.
  • Library databases provide citation information.
    • Author, if available
    • Title of Article
    • Publication (Title of Magazine, Newspaper, or Reference Book)
    • Publisher
    • Date of Publication
  • Library databases often contain full-text articles.
    • You can print or email an entire article.
  • There are different kinds of library databases
    • For specific topics. Examples: Biography Resource Center , New Book of Popular Science
    • For general topics Examples: ProQuest, World Book Online
  • Library databases are paid for by taxpayer dollars.

 

Searching in Databases

Database searching allows for :

  • limiting to full test, data range, and source type(journal, magazines, newspapers, etc.
  • subject heading can be used to narrow searches
  • combine keywords and subject headings to get accurate sources
  • email article to yourself
  • logging in using ID barcode when off-campus
  • Databases are arranged by subject discipline for specific subject research

How is a database different from a website?

How is a library database different from a website?

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