Follow these steps to access the library's databases:
1. Log in to Atlas.
2. Click the "Search the Library" link.
3. Select the red buttons "Databases A-Z" or "Databases by Subject" to find a database that meets your research needs.
Did you know there is a special way to search in the databases? Searching like you would in Google isn't the way to go for databases. Pulling key words from your research question will help you get more precise results. Let's look at an example of a research question with the key words in bold.
What are the effects of consuming caffeine on a daily basis?
What if you typed in each key word into its own search box, but you didn't get the results you were hoping for? You might have to think of different key words to search with. Brainstorming or using a thesaurus is a great way to come up with more key words. See the chart below for some examples:
Effects | Caffeine | Consume | Daily |
Impacts | Stimulant | Ingest | Everyday |
Consequences | Energy drink | Intake |
Regular |
When searching in databases, there is usually an option to search using AND & OR. How do these words impact your searches?
Search results for effects AND caffeine must contain all three key words. Searching with AND gives you less (but more specific) results.
Search results for effects OR caffeine must only contain one of the key words. Searching with OR gives you more results (but usually less specific) results.
Follow these steps to access the library's databases:
1. Log in to Atlas.
2. Click the "Search the Library" link.
3. Click the yellow "Library Catalog" option to search by title, author, or keyword.