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What is a library database, and why should I use them?
What is a library database, and why should I use them?
A scenario: A new research project
A scenario: A new research project
Leila is a first-year graduate student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researching sustainable food sources in tropical regions. She’s particularly interested in 'ulu (breadfruit) as a climate-resilient crop that could help address food security. She needs credible, peer-reviewed sources to support her research, but she’s overwhelmed by the vast amount of information online.
Searching online for "breadfruit food security", she found news stories, some blog posts, and a few more credible-looking articles. Unfortunately, Leila could only read the abstracts as the rest of the article was behind a paywall.
Library databases are searchable collections of academic journals, newspapers, magazines, e-books, and more.
The library subscribes to these resources so you can access high-quality information for free.
Library Databases: Why use them?
Library Databases: Why use them?
Library databases provide access to scholarly articles, research studies, and other academic resources that are often hidden behind paywalls. By using these databases, you can find credible and peer-reviewed information that may not be freely available through search engines like Google. Understanding how to navigate these resources will help you make the most of the library’s extensive collection and improve the quality of your research.
Library Databases: Universal Features
Library Databases: Universal Features
While databases may look different, understanding their common features can make searching more efficient and effective. Using search filters and advanced search options can help narrow results, making it easier to find relevant academic sources. If you ever need assistance, librarians and database-specific guides are great resources for navigating these research tools.
Specific Databases: Choose your database
Specific Databases: Choose your database
Choosing the right database depends on your research topic and whether you need broad or specialized information. Multidisciplinary databases are great for starting your research, while subject-specific databases provide more targeted and relevant results. Don’t be afraid to search across multiple databases, and reach out to a librarian for guidance if needed.
Check Out This Playlist of Short Videos
Check Out This Playlist of Short Videos
Refresh your knowledge on using databases with these short videos that cover:
How database searching is different from online searching
Comparing databases to streaming services like Netflix
Common database formats
Multidisciplinary databases compared to subject databases
Filtering Databases
Test Your Knowledge of Databases
Test Your Knowledge of Databases
To take this quiz for credit, access the link while signed in with your UH credentials here.
Learn More About Particular Databases
Learn More About Particular Databases
Want to go more in depth into particular databases? Check out the guides below. Note that these are not all the databases available through UHM library. For a complete list, see the A-Z databases list.
Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA)
CABI Digital Library (CAB Abstracts)
China Academic Journals Online Database
Chronicling America: Historic Newspapers from Hawaiʻi and the U.S.
Koseisha Zasshi Kiji Sakuin Shusei 皓星社雑誌記事索引集成データベース
NDL Zasshi Kiji Sakuin (Zassaku) NDL雑誌記事索引
Union Catalog of Early Japanese Books 日本古典籍総合目録
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