Databases

Databases provide an efficient way to get to relevant and reliable information.

There are many kinds of library databases, and they may contain a wide variety of content and have different purposes. Some are very specific with subjects like auto repair, business, medicine, learning languages, and preparing for tests.

The type that is often most useful for research projects is a periodicals database. It contains searchable articles from magazines, journals, newspapers, and reference books. Sometimes it also includes images, videos, podcasts, and more. Because library databases rely on edited sources, the information is generally reliable.

All students in Oregon have access to Gale periodicals databases on the Find Information page in OSLIS. Obtain the login from your library staff.

When you use a collection of databases in a service like Gale or EBSCO, one of the first things you will need to do is select which databases within that collection you want to search. Searching within one specific database will narrow your results. To expand your results, search in many or all of the databases at the same time. For Gale products, that option is called PowerSearch.

Once you have selected the resource you want to search, then you can use search techniques such as keywords, limiters, and expanders to find articles specific to your search needs.

Tip: Take the time to view the tutorial that most databases have built in to become an efficient searcher.