Library databases provide access to articles from newspapers, magazines (popular) and scholarly (peer-reviewed) journals. Some databases also provide videos, audio clips, images, and primary sources.
Peer-reviewed journal articles: articles which are reviewed and revised as a condition of publication. This review is done by fellow experts in the subject (peers).
Tip: you can limit a database search to ONLY peer-reviewed publications by checking a box. It is sometime called "scholarly." Be aware that this limit can return non- peer-reviewed items such as letters to the editor or book reviews.
Popular magazine articles: articles meant for the general public, requiring little or no background knowledge or expertise.
Tips for DB success:
Search and save: save more than you need; save everything that could be useful. Over-gather so you don't have to return to DB search mode. Confirm that the Save method works (emailing, saving to Drive, etc.).
Think out of the box: search within your subject, but consider searching beyond. (Film, psychology, economics, history, and more can intersect with & inform your topic.)
Speak the DBs language: each database may use different keywords & subjects. Try synonyms and look for suggested topics & terms.
Use the DB's citation tools: many link to Noodletools & Google Apps. All will provide MLA citations.
Best databases for your class:
Academic Search Premier Modern World History