A library database is an online searchable collection of information. Subscriptions for databases are purchased so that scholars can find useful and interesting information.
Databases in a library contain tons of information such as:
Our library databases we subscribe to are specific to the academic programs offered here at Johnson C. Smith University.
The James B. Duke Memorial Library provides access to a variety of multidisciplinary scholarly journals, magazines, newspapers and e-books via our electronic resources databases. These subscription based resources are offered to supplement the library’s print resources and to provide the most current information available for research and information needs.
Access to databases is permitted within the library, as well as from any location on or off campus. However, due to licensing restrictions access to some electronic resources are limited to current JCSU students, faculty, and staff with valid user ID’s and passwords.
Students, faculty, and staff can use our library databases to find research and information on a variety of topics. Our library subscribes to over 100 databases.
Is a library database the same thing as Google?" Yes and no...
Search engines, such as Google, search the web for freely available information. Google can be considered a database since it contains a collection of searchable information. Just like a library database, Google contains tons of information but the information is a little different.
Information can include:
Library databases contain really specific information that are meant to support your education and coursework. Google contains all sorts of information which makes it a good place to start your research, but don't stop your research process there.
When you search for something in Google you get thousands of results. Some of which are sponsored or promotional results, meaning a company is paying Google to promote their information/service. You may also notice that Google sometimes gives you different results. That is because Google uses algorithms (computer programs) to sort through information based on your location and your recent search activity. Library databases don't do that. Since all the information found in a library database is organized by subject terms and keywords, library databases uses the keywords you put into the search bar to find information.
Yes! The library selects databases based on the academic programs offered specifically at JCSU. You should be able to find lots of relevant resources in the databases we subscribe to for your assignments. More than likely your professor wants you to find reliable, peer reviewed scholarly sources and library databases contain scholarly resources. Visit our website under the services tab and then click on Articles & Database to learn about all the different databases we offer!