Database FAQs
Why use a Research Database?
What is a Research Database?
- A Research Database contains reliable, accurate and authoritative information gathered together in one place, and provides convenient and quick access to the information.
- Students from elementary school to college, as well as others looking for information, can find a database to cover their needs or interests.
- Research databases count as a print resource because they are digital versions of previously published content, and should be acceptable as a resource for student assignments.
In Research Databases you will find:
- articles from popular and scholarly magazines
- articles from local, national and international newspapers
- articles from reference books such as encyclopedias
- photographs, both current and historical
- primary documents
- television and radio broadcasts and transcripts
- images and videos
- maps and charts
- company financial information
- literature, including poems, short stories, essays, speeches and plays
- literary criticism, including plot summaries, synopses, and author interviews
- book reviews, book lists and discussion guides
- biographies of current and historical individuals, including authors
- genealogy records to research your family history
- and much more!
What's the difference between using a research database and doing a search on Google?
- The enormous volume and uneven quality of information on the Internet can make finding exactly what you need a very frustrating experience.
- Research databases provide information that has been reviewed and edited by experts, and comes from reliable, authoritative, up-to-date published sources.
- Anyone can publish information, ideas and opinions on the Internet regardless of expertise. Results from a Google search, therefore, may include incorrect information from unreliable sources. In addition, Google results are ranked by commercial value (companies pay to have their links placed at the top of the results) and popularity (how many other pages link to a particular page).
- Search options in Research Databases include Keyword, Subject, Author, Magazine Title, Date, etc. Results are organized, can be refined, and may also include suggested related subjects or help in narrowing your topic.
- Citation information to create a bibliography is provided in the databases.
- Research databases count as a print resource because they are digital versions of previously published content, and should be acceptable as a resource for student assignments.
How do I access the Research Databases?
- Click on the Research Databases button on the home page to go to the main databases page. Here you will find a list of Frequently Used Databases and a list of others you might be interested in.
- To see descriptions of the databases, click on the links to see the databases listed By Subject or Alphabetically by Title.
How do I access the Research Databases when I'm not in the Library?
- When not in the library, access the Research Databases the same way as described above.
- Some databases may require you to enter your library card number to gain access if you are not in the Library.
- If requested for a Patron ID, barcode or other ID number or name, type in your 14 digit library card number, with no spaces.
- Ancestry Library Edition is available only in the Library. (Ancestry has granted temporary access to the Library Edition from home during the pandemic. We are uncertain as to how long the at-home access will last.)