What is a Library Database?

A library database is a searchable online resource containing a variety of information from authoritative published works.   What does this mean? Let’s break it down…

Databases are searchable by: 
  • Keywords
  • Subject
  • Author
  • Title
  • Date
  • Other options
Database contain information: 
  • Title
  • Author
  • Publication
  • Date
  • Abstract (brief summary)
  • Full-text articles
Database include published works: 
  • Journals
  • eBooks
  • Videos
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Encyclopedias
Why use a library database instead of a website?

In short, library databases provide you with more control over your search for more relevant, scholarly, and trustworthy results. Let’s compare…

Table comparing databases and websites