Sometimes students will come to the library with an assignment, telling me they need to use a database, but they don’t know what one is. Other times, students come in and use the databases, but sometimes they, too, aren’t quite sure what it is they are using.
Therefore today’s post is going to answer the big question:
What in the world is a database?
Let’s break the word down. “Data” means information. So a “database” is just a base or a collection of information that is organized so that you can find it easily. For example, a phonebook is a database of names, addresses and phone numbers. You can find information by looking under a person’s name, or you can use the yellow pages and find information about a specific topic, such as hairdressers or locksmiths.
What will you find in a library database?
Like a phonebook, a library database has organized information that is searchable, but instead of addresses and phone numbers, it has periodical articles (i.e. magazine, newspaper and journal articles) as well as reference book articles and entire books online. Books and periodicals tend to be wonderful sources to use when writing a research paper. Because library databases are organized and searchable, you can easily find information on your topic.
The SCC library has general databases that are good for finding information on almost any subject such as the Gale databases and Academic Search Premier. It also has topic databases, where you can find information on a specific area such as business, international, or health, such as Health Source: Nursing/Academic.
The library recently obtained several new databases, which will allow our students, faculty and staff even greater access to online articles and books. In the coming weeks, I plan on highlighting these great resources, but I first wanted to explain what a database is and how it can help you with your research!
Posted by scclibrarian
