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You will learn about library databases and how to use them to search for information.

What is a library database?

A library database is an online collection of information (articles, ebooks, etc.) published electronically by a credible publisher. Alvin Sherman Library provides access to hundreds of library databases on a variety of subjects. 

What makes a library database so unique? Learn more on our guide here.

Why use a database?

Why would we want to use a database if we have google at our fingertips?

Library databases offer access to high-quality, reliable sources like peer-reviewed and scholarly articles that aren't freely available on the open web. Unlike searching Google, using a library database will allow you to:

  • Find reliable sources such as peer-reviewed or scholarly articles
  • Limit a search by keyword, subject, author, date, publication, etc. 
  • Avoid paywalls or other paid subscription content to access the full text 

                                                               

Choosing a Database

Library databases may be multidisciplinary (spanning several subjects, like the recommended databases to the right) or subject specific (focusing on a single subject, e.g., history or medicine).

Select "more..." to read the descriptions of the databases to decide what would be helpful. 

Pay attention to the icons below the database link, which look like this:  Local access for all registered users. Remote access only for NSU and Broward users.

Not every database is accessible to every library user at the Alvin Sherman Library. For public library users, look for the words "All" or "Broward" to indicate where you can use them. Refer to the key below for what these icons mean:

If you're stuck on what database to choose for your topic, Ask a Librarian!

Suggested Databases for High School

Searching for Articles in a Library Database

Library databases don’t understand full questions like Google does. Instead, they “speak” in keywords, which are important words or short phrases that describe your topic.

For example: If your topic is "How does social media affect teen mental health?", your keywords might be:

  • social media
  • teenagers
  • mental health

You can mix and match these keywords to find better results. Try using synonyms too, like:

  • teen* OR adolescents
    • (The asterisk "*" acts as a wildcard to include all words starting with "teen," like teen, teens, teenager, etc.)
  • social media OR social networks

pro tip   Avoid typing full questions. Instead, break your topic into 2–3 key terms that capture the main ideas.                                                                                       View the video below for a demonstration on how to find articles with our library databases:

pro tip For more tips on how to get better search results, view our guide here: Keywords & Boolean Operators                               

 

If you need help researching with our library databases, don't hesitate to Ask a Librarian!