Selecting a Database

In this section you will learn how to select a database.

Now that you have learned about several searching techniques and how to use Boolean Logic it is now time to select an appropriate database. This can be one of the most confusing aspects of searching for information because a library may have many databases.

To select the correct database(s) to use, we must go back to our specific search terms and determine what general subject areas they cover.

Example: What is the treatment of narcolepsy in the elderly?

KEY CONCEPTS	GENERAL SUBJECT	APPROPRIATE DATABASE
narcolepsy daytime nap treatment therapy elderly aged	Psychology Medicine Science	PsycINFO PubMed/Medline Science Full Text PsycArticles

Other general databases that cover a broad range of disciplines that could also be accessed from the library's database list are Academic Search Premiere and Ingenta. It is important to remember that there is NO standard database. Databases may look alike, but their contents can be very different. In some instances, you may not be able to find all of the information you will need for your project using the electronic databases.

Suggested Sources for Additional Information

Current and Noncurrent Information

Indexes (link to glossary) to Journals and News Articles

Book and Journal Information

Online Catalogs (link)

Quick Facts

Almanac (link)
Yearbook (link)

People and Organizations

Biography (link)
Directory (link)

Opinions

Editorial (link)
Review (link)

Further Research

Bibliography (link)
Internet ( Link)
World Wide Web (link)
Research Guide (link)

"Now that you have completed, Selecting A Database, let's move onto the next section. To proceed, click on the, Documenting Research, link below."