You can also access databases by name if you already know the one you want to search:

If you know the name of the database you want, click the letter tab above.

If you need help selecting the appropriate database(s) for your research, you can browse by subject area above or ask a librarian via chat (see box to the left), by calling x2195, or by stopping by the research assistance desk. Click here for research assistance desk hours.

What do we mean by "database"?

A database is basically something you can use to search within a collection of some type of information. For academic research, we're primarily talking about tools to search for articles and books. Some databases cover articles and books in multiple academic disciplines. Some specialize in one. Often, these databases will include the full text of the article. If not, they will give you enough information (a citation) to find the full article or book somewhere else, and a link to other ways to get it (such as in another database, or on microfiche, or through interlibrary loan). There are lots of ways to search these databases. For tips and tricks to become a more savvy and powerful searcher, see the Search Techniques tutorial.