Library databases | Web sites |
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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. |
Any source, whether a library database or website, can have good information. It is necessary to think critically about all information that you read or view.
The attached Keyword Worksheet explains the process of going from the research question to keywords. The keywords should be used in your searches in the library databases.
To see a complete list of QCC databases that you can use:
To see the list of databases separated by subject recommendations use:
These databases contain journal, magazine, and newspaper articles, as well as book chapters and other materials.