COMPUTER DATABASES

What is a 'database'?

• A database is a collection of data arranged to facilitate information searching & retrieving.

 
• Library databases can be accessed via computer at the library or at your home.

 
• Some databases address specific subjects, such as literature, music, art, science or health.  Other databases feature articles from magazines, journals and/or newspapers.

 
• A full-text database contains the partial or complete text of works, such as articles, books, poems, and essays.  Proquest Historical Newspaper & EBSCO MasterFile are examples of databases which provide full-text articles.

 
• Articles and information indexed on databases are likely to contain more reliable and more thoroughly researched information than material on the Web.

 
• Some things that you can search for on a database are:

• Good books to read.
• Recent health information.
• Historical newspaper articles.
• Literary criticism.
• Current events.
• Products you want to investigate before purchasing.
• Facts & maps.
• Business & company information.
• Student research topics.
  

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