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Using Databases: A Tutorial |
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Now that you have identified the type of information you need, your next step is to choose a database. There are literally hundreds of library databases available to which your college library may subscribe.
Your first step is to find which databases your library make available to you. While every library organizes their Web site differently, you can usually find the databases under a link called "Databases" or "Find Articles." Once you find the database page, it will usually be arranged by subject and include a brief description of what each database contains. If you can't find the database page, ask a librarian.
There are many types of databases which contain different types of sources.
| Multi-disciplinary databases: | cover a wide range of topics
Usually include popular and scholarly articles
Example: Academic Search Premier |
| Subject specific databases: | focus on one subject or discipline
Often focus on the scholarly literature of the field
Example: PsycInfo (psychology) |
| Source specific databases: | focus on one type of source
Examples: Alt-Press Watch (alternative or non-mainstream press) |
In order to choose the right database, think about who would be researching and/or writing about your topic.
In our example, outlining the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana, there are many issues on which you may focus. These may include health effects of marijuana, whether marijuana use causes criminal behavior, effects of marijuana use on the user's family, and the effects of marijuana use on a user's performance in school.
| Issue | Researchers/Writers | Example of a Database |
| Health effects | Medical researchers | Medline |
| Effects on the family | Psychologists and social workers | PsycInfo |
| Crime | Lawyers, law enforcement agencies | LegalTrac |
| School performance | Teachers, educational administrators | ERIC |
| Issue | Researchers/Writers | Database |
Proceed to Step 3. Construct Effective Searches
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