Sections

Personal tools

You are here: Home → Plan- → Electronic Search Strategies → Electronic Search Strategies: Databases

Electronic Search Strategies: Databases

Databases provide a more efficient way to get to relevant information.

A database is a collection of stored information that can be accessed by a computer. Databases can organize words, numbers, images, or sound. They may also be multimedia collections combining the various classes of data. Because most databases rely on edited sources of information, the user generally finds that the information in databases is reliable and specific to the topics being researched. When using a database that is accessed through electronic means, the various techniques of searching, such as keyword, can generally be used to help you refine your search and get the results you need. EBSCO's ALL DATABASES in your Student Resources on the right is an example of a set of databases that many students have used. EBSCO is a collection of databases that index magazine, newspaper, and reference book articles.

When you use a collection of databases in a service, one of the first things you will need to do is select which databases within that collection you want to search. Choose databases that have the kinds of information you are seeking. You can always return and add more databases if your first search does not yield what you need.

Be sure to use the tutorials that companies provide to help you be a more efficient and effective researcher.

Look at the example below to see the types of options you might find when you use a database or database service. Once you have selected the type of resource you want to search, then you can use other search techniques such as keywords, limiters, and expanders to find articles specific to your search needs.