What Are Library Databases?

 

Article databases allow you to search hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of journals, magazines, and newspapers at once. Some article databases provide you the full text of an article and others point you to an article by providing citation information.

The search screen for a library database may look somewhat intimidating and complex compared to a search screen like Google, but don't worry! You may already be familiar with some databases like those provided by EBSCO.

A database is similar to a search engine in that you can use keywords to find relevant results. However, while a search engine uses algorithms and formulas that crawl publicly available information on the web, a database stores a specific set of information or sources that can be both public and privately owned. 

How do databases help in research?

You will likely be asked by your professors to find credible information when given research assignments in their classes. Some professors may also ask you to find scholarly or peer reviewed information. Library databases will help you find the information required by your professors.

It is important to note that the majority of the information you find in library databases cannot be found on Google for free. Scholarly journals are expensive.

 

Access to these databases usually costs a subscription fee of thousands of dollars, paid for by your school. You should never pay to access articles while enrolled in college.

The library's subscription to these databases is for all Grossmont College students, faculty, and staff. You can take a look at a comprehensive list of all the databases we subscribe to at Databases A-Z Links to an external site. (also linked on the library's home page). 

 

Library databases also speak a different language from search engines. Keywords can help, but the keywords you use and the limiters you select to narrow your results may take a little more time and practice.  

Why should I use library databases?

Here is a helpful short video explaining when and why you should use library databases.