What is a database anyway? In computing terms, a database is a collection of data or information which can be sorted and selected. It could be as complex as a book-keeping system or as simple as the contacts app on your phone. In libraries we use databases of articles and books to help us find the right article or book for our research questions.
From: Helicon (Ed.). (2018). Database. In The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide. Helicon. https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NTEyNjEw?aid=237793
Many of us are very used to searching Google. It can seem like everything you need is on Google. In reality, only a small fraction of available information is available through a Google search. If you think of the internet as an iceberg, only the very top of the iceberg, the part above water, is what is available through Google in what is known as the "open web". The rest of the information is below the water. In internet terms, "below the water" means behind a paywall or requires a username/password, and often a fee, to access. Research databases are part of that "below the water" section of the iceberg. Libraries pay for access to research databases so that the patrons of the library can gain access to needed research material. Research material found in databases are often high-quality and certainly more reliable than information found through a Google search. Whereas virtually anyone can publish to the open internet, research databases are strict and carefully oversee the quality of materials accepted.
Academic Search Complete provides full-text access to over 5,000 journals and magazines, including many peer-reviewed articles, plus numerous Associated Press videos covering a wide range of academic disciplines.
CREDO Reference provides access to a collection of encyclopedias, dictionaries, and reference works covering numerous subjects such as art, history, literature, music, religion, and science.
eBook: Academic Collection provides access to eBooks across diverse academic disciplines. Access thousands of titles from top publishers and university presses for research and learning.
EBSCO Discovery Service provides a single search interface to explore a wide range of research databases, including full-text journal articles, eBooks, and videos.
Kanopy offers a platform that provides free access to a wide range of films, documentaries, and educational videos. It emphasizes high-quality, thought-provoking content across genres, including indie films, classic cinema, and courses from The Great Courses series.
NewsBank provides full-text access to over 8,000 news publications, including major national and international newspapers as well as local and regional sources for a broad perspective on global and local news.
The Philadelphia Inquirer provides full-text access to current and archived articles with extensive coverage of news, features, and events from Philadelphia and the surrounding area.
SIRS Issues Researcher provides in-depth analysis of key social issues with diverse viewpoints from more than 2,000 global sources, offering comprehensive coverage of current debates and research.
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