What is a database?
Answer
What is a database: an organized collection of published and reliable information sources designed to help users efficiently find credible materials for research and learning.
What do they provide: access to peer-reviewed journal articles, magazines, newspapers, reference books, conference papers, eBooks, and sometimes video and audio recordings. They also include citation information and tools that help you properly reference sources in academic work.
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Database Feature |
Details or Examples |
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Organized information sources |
Published, reliable sources for research and learning |
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Type of materials provided |
Peer-reviewed journal articles, magazines, newspapers, reference books, conference papers, eBooks, video and audio recordings |
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Citation information/tools |
Many databases provide built-in citation information and referencing tools |
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Organization/Access at EVC |
Databases listed A to Z for easy browsing EVC Ato Z Databases
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Search features |
Advanced subject searches, sorting by relevance/date, citation searching, full-text access |
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Main database types |
Multidisciplinary (broad coverage), Subject-specific (depth in one field), General interest, Bibliographic, Full-text, Numeric/statistical, Media (image/audio/video) |
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Examples of multidisciplinary databases |
Academic Search Complete, JSTOR, Web of Science
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Examples of subject-specific databases |
Discipline-focused databases (e.g., Nursing CINAHL Plus with Full Text)
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Access requirements |
Usually free for enrolled students, may require subscription for others |
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Quality control |
Sources reviewed for accuracy, credibility, peer-review (unlike general web searches) |
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Citation and referencing |
Many databases will export to citation managers (Mendeley, EndNote, Zotero) |
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