What are Library Databases?

Databases Defined

What is a database? A database is a large, organized, and sortable collection of information. The collection could be any type of resource, from books on Amazon, to articles on the Library’s website, to photographs on Instagram.

The Library subscribes to dozens of online databases, most of which offer access to the full text of articles and other high quality source materials such as images and films. Most of these resources are not available for free on the Internet, your college has paid the fees so you don't have to. These databases are located in the Library’s Web site and to prove that you are a member of your college community you will be asked for verification information to gain access.

Library Databases vs. Google

Please watch the following 2-minute video from Yavapai College Library. Pay particular attention to the ways in which library databases differ from search engines (types of sources available, how they are searched, features, tools, etc):

Additional viewing options: Turn on closed captions with the "CC" button

Takeaways: Library Databases vs. Websites

So, when do you use a website and when do you use a library database? Below, you will see some information that may help you with this choice.

	Library Databases	Websites
Cost	Always free for students to access.	Varies. Sometimes you can access resources freely, other times you can’t.
Privacy & Security	Exposure of students’ information is limited through the databases.	You often must “agree to terms” before accessing content on a website.
Reliability	Information in a library database will not change unless the subscription changes.	Websites are dynamic, and content can change daily.
Features	Databases typically come with a range of tools to help you find relevant resources. You have more control over the results you want to see.	Search engines online have limited features to narrow down results. You have less control over the results you want to see.

Library Databases

Websites

Cost

Always free for students to access.

Varies. Sometimes you can access resources freely, other times you can’t.

Privacy & Security

Exposure of students’ information is limited through the databases.

You often must “agree to terms” before accessing content on a website.

Reliability

Information in a library database will not change unless the subscription changes.

Websites are dynamic, and content can change daily.

Features

Databases typically come with a range of tools to help you find relevant resources. You have more control over the results you want to see.

Search engines online have limited features to narrow down results. You have less control over the results you want to see.

Sources

“What Are Databases and Why You Need Them Links to an external site..” YouTube, uploaded by Yavapai College Library, 29 Sept. 2011.