Online databases are computerized collections of information, indexed
for easy retrieval. Some are subject specific; others contain a
wide variety of information. Some just provide a citation to an
article from magazines, newspapers, books or other printed sources.
Others provide abstracts (i.e. summaries) and/or full text. Libraries
acquire access to most databases via subscriptions. The information
contained in them is generally not available for free on the Internet.
In addition, the information contained in for-fee databases is usually
more reliable and authoritative since it has been produced and/or
selected and edited by individuals with relevant subject expertise.
