Selecting a database

An online database is a collection of related information which you access by computer. The database itself is stored on a computer called a server. So when you are "online" your computer is (hopefully) communicating with another computer (the server) through the Internet. A computerized library catalog is an online database which lists items which the library owns. There are many other types of materials stored in databases and there are hundreds of databases available. There are so many, in fact, that selecting the best one for your research can be confusing. This tutorial will help you learn to select a database appropriate to your information needs.

Online/fulltext databases

The Library contains over 100 databases which were selected to provide authoritative information for Webster and Eden students, faculty and staff. Because you can access the databases through the Internet and many of the databases have full-text (the entire text of the article is included), you can search for and retrieve information from your home or office, or the library--anywhere you have Internet access.

Contents

This tutorial is made up of six sections:

1. What is a database?
2. Types of online databases
3. How are Library databases different than the Internet?
4. How to select an appropriate database
5. Examples for selecting a database
6. Additional resources

At the bottom of each page, you will see links that will take you back to the Table of Contents of this tutorial or to the Next Page. You may also choose to leave the tutorial and return to the training Welcome page.

Ready? Let's go to the next section.