COMP 1500 College Writing
What is a Database?
A library database is an electronic collection of information and documents, including newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, and more.
Databases are not considered "the Internet." We use an internet browser to access library databases but we are not searching a website. Unlike searching Google, using a library database will allow you to:
- Limit a search by keyword, author, date, publication, etc.
- Find reliable sources such as peer-reviewed or scholarly articles
- Avoid paywalls or other paid subscription content
Databases for Scholarly Articles
Library databases may be multidisciplinary (spanning several subjects) or subject specific (focusing on a single subject, e.g., history or medicine). The databases listed below are multidisciplinary and appropriate for students with a wide variety of research topics. If you need help choosing a database, Ask a Librarian!
Databases for Newspapers, Magazines, and Current Events
The library provides online access to newspapers, magazines, and other "popular" sources from around the world. Library databases provide free-to-you access to this content unlike Google, where the information might be hidden behind a paywall. A paywall is the pop-up that may appear on a website asking you to pay for a subscription or for the full text of an article.