A database is a collection of information. In the case of a library subscription database, that information is usually in the form of articles.
Articles are usually originally published someplace else such as a
although sometimes they are written specifically for a database
Articles that appear in magazines, newspapers, and scholarly journal all go through a review process before they are published. This is called an editorial process.
Articles are usually fact-checked
Editors also check the overall content and make recommendations for additions and other changes as well as considering the content of the entire publication and how stories are being covered.
Scholarly journals have an additional review process called peer-review.
| Database | ||
| # of sources | As many as it can find | Limited to selected publications |
| Cost | Mostly paid for by advertising, often by collecting your personal information; some pay by article | Subscription – paid for by state, community college system, or Valencia |
| Searching | Natural language, i.e. can enter a phrase or question | Keyword, controlled vocabulary, and limiters – make take longer to learn |
| Intent | Connect you with information quickly | Give you a wide range of information on a topic |
| Critical Thinking Required | None in searching; a lot in evaluating which sources to use | Some in both searching and evaluating which sources to use |
| Review process | Highly variable | Sources are reviewed |
These databases cover a wide variety of subjects (or disciplines) and are a good place to start research. Examples are:
Login with Atlas username and password when prompted.
Search databases using keywords that describe the concepts, e.g. video games, children, violence
Searches can be limited to Full Text, meaning that all of the article descriptions you read will have a corresponding article available.
Limit by date or type of publication, such as magazine
