Academic databases, or research databases, are organized collections of scholarly data, information, or articles that can be easily accessed, managed, and searched. Databases are especially useful for conducting academic research due to their enhanced search tools that allow you to find relevant scholarly sources for your research. Think of databases as online libraries filled with academic resources like research papers, articles, and books. They help you quickly find trustworthy information for your studies.
Some common academic databases include JSTOR, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost.
Often, the library at your college or university will subscribe to academic databases on your behalf so that you do not have to pay a subscription fee to access the resources hosted on academic databases.
As a LaSalle College student, you have access to these academic databases.
If you are looking for more information than what can be found on the library's databases, visit these open access databases to expand your search:
Each database will have a different layout, scope and collections so the specifics on how to use them may vary a little but the idea behind it stays the same. Here's an example on how to navigate one of the most commonly used databases used in LaSalle College, the Academic Search Premier EBSCO:
Databases allow you to choose a set of words that describe the topic you are researching and type it into the general search bar, similar to how you would use Google. However, unlike Google, databases offer more powerful tools to help you navigate the results and find the right resource for you, mainly through Filters and the Advanced Search function.
1 Here you can see the general search bar already mentioned.
2 If you are using EBSCO databases remember to select both of this options, one to make sure that you have access to the entire text and not only a summary and the other to make sure that the results will be strictly academic ones.
Filters can usually be found on either side of a search page, and by selecting them you display only resources that match those filters, making the list of possible results shorter.
You can filter, for example, by subject, type, year and sometimes even by author.
The Advanced Search function is used when you already know what you need and is looking for a very specific type of results
With the Advanced Search function, you can make searches for specific words using [AND] or [OR], eliminate specific words from the results using [NOT], or look for words in specific places like only the title for example and so on.
Some databases even offer the citation for the resource1 in many different styles2, making the development of your reference section much easier.
If you need help using a specific database, talk to the library staff. They will do their best to help you navigate it or offer good alternatives.
If you are looking for personalized help with your research, try booking an appointment with the librarian.
