Databases as Sources

Introduction

Many times in college, you will be asked to do database research in order to gather reputable sources.

A database is a searchable collection of information.  In library research, a database is where you find journal articles.  Each database contains thousands of articles which you can search for simultaneously and quickly to find articles with higher relevancy than searching in individual journals. 

Databases can be general or subject oriented with bibliographic citations, abstracts, and or full text.  The sources indexed may be written by scholars, professionals or generalists.

Library Research Databases vs. Websites

Yes, both a research database and a website are both electronic sources, accessed using the internet.  However, that is about where their similarities end.  Review the following to find-out more.

Selecting Appropriate Online Databases

Your topic statement determines the type of database, kind of information, and the date of the sources that you will use. It is important to clarify whether your topic will require research from journals, magazines, newspapers, and books or just journals. 

To understand the differences between magazines, journals, and newspapers, see the Magazines, Journals, and Newspapers: What's the Difference section under Evaluating Sources. 

Search Strategies

Your tuition at our college has paid for dozens of databases, which can be accessed through our Library.  

One of the easiest ways to search through them on our college's website is by utilizing their One Search feature.

Before you begin to search the databases, it is important that you develop a well planned comprehensive search strategy. 

• Always read the help screens and review any tutorials that have been developed for a particular database.

• Determine what your keywords are and how you want them to link together.  Think of keywords like hashtags in social media.  Each source is categorized under each of these tag-phrases/key words.

After you determine what your keywords are, consult any subject headings or guides to locate controlled vocabulary, such as a thesaurus that may appear in the subject field. You will also want to decide what other fields may be valuable for your search.

When reviewing your search results, look at titles and abstracts of the different sources to narrow-down what you might want to read further.

If needed, adjust the words you use in your search. This happens often during the research process.

• Are there synonyms you can use f your keywords?

• Would your topic be listed another way?

When you have found the source that you want to use, you will need to log-in to view it in its entirety and download it.  You might also see an option to copy the citation for the source to use in your works cited page, but this feature is not always available.

Google Scholar

Searching on Google Scholar to find articles that work, and then seeing if that article is in the campus's databases is a trick that works well for me. 

Basically, if you are having troubles searching through the campus's databases, maybe try Google Scholar.  Then, if there is a source that you think will help you with your project, and Google Scholar is asking for you to pay for it, see if the title of that source is in the campus's databases by using the One Search feature.  If Google Scholar does not ask you to pay for the source, you are in luck, and there is nothing you need to do with the campus's databases.

LBCC-Specific Research Help

Santa Monica College has resources to help you with your research process.  You've already paid for these resources with your tuition; you might as well use them.

Research Librarian

On most college campuses there is a Reference Desk within the campus's library where a Research Librarian sits.  This person is there to help students gather research for their project as well as help with citations and overall formatting. WOW!  In addition, I have never met a Research Librarian who did not love their job and want to help students with these tasks.

Here's how to get in touch with SMC's Research Librarian, either in-person or online.  Note the hours of availability when planning your visit.  

Informational Help

SMC has developed guides to help make researching more efficient.

Additionally, here is some information on workshops and videos to help make researching easier and more accurate.

Citing a Database Source

When creating your citation for your works cited page or annotated bibliography, use this site to help you (scroll down to "An Article in an Online Scholarly Journal" and "An Article from an Online Database").