Accessing Databases

When students have a project, report or paper assignment in a class that requires them to do research, they often want to turn to Google and Wikipedia to find their information. Teachers often explain that students should not use these tools because it is difficult to verify the credibility and accuracy of the information found on the web through a Google search. Also, the information yielded form a Google search is often overwhelming and difficult to cite (give credit to).

So where can you go to find trustworthy, authoritative, credible, accurate, and current information? Where can you find information that the citation is already formatted in either MLA or APA format?

Use the Library Databases! Library databases should be used for any academic research assignment. For assistance, please ask the librarian to help you determine which databases will best meet your needs.

You can access all Katy ISD and PHS databases two different ways.

1. Log into MyKaty Cloud and then click on the bottom ribbon of text that says "Library". Each tile you see is either a Database or digital library tools either the district or your campus librarian has paid for you to have access to.
2. Go to MackinVIA.com and log in using your normal username and password. Click on the Databases button on the left side of the screen. All our PHS databases are listed on that page.

What is a library database?

A library database is a collection of resources (images, charts, articles, research papers, etc.) that have been vetted for authenticity, accuracy, and reliability by top publishers and researchers. These resources are then distributed digitally through the database.

What is the main difference between using library databases and search engines like Google?

While you access databases with web browsers, databases are not the Internet. When you search on a database, you are not searching on the internet.

A database is defined as an organized collection of information and database information cannot be found on the general internet.

Database information is protected by copyright and libraries pay to have access to this information. Just like you may pay to have access to cable television or Netflix to gain special access to more high quality content, libraries pay to subscribe to the high quality content available on databases.

Database content is more credible because publishers have checked the content for accuracy and reliability. When you search using Google, you can find anything and everything published on the World Wide Web — the good, the bad, and the ugly. Databases provide access to information that is safe, accurate, current, validated, copyright –clear, and organized.

What type of documents/content can I find on a library database?

Articles published in magazines, journals, and newspapers; books and book chapters; research papers and technical publications; images, charts, graphs, maps; encyclopedia entries and expository texts.

How do I search on the database?

Use the advanced search tools to tailor your search as specifically as you need to find the best resources for your assignment.

Use subject terms and keywords appropriate to your topic. Also, if your first search comes up with too little content, search multiple databases.

Whatever information you end up quoting/using for your assignment, you will need to cite the information in the proper format (typically either MLA format or APA format).