All databases are generally similar in that they are a collection of items, or links to resources, that can retrieved through a search engine:
Some are general and cover a wide range of subjects: Wikipedia is one of the most familiar examples.
Some are more subject specific and deal with a particular slice of the universe of knowledge: Lexis, for example, which is primarily a legal database.
Most databases initially offer the user a Keyword Search option -- think of a Google search -- and will bring back everything that contains your search terms; but they will also provide advanced search features to help you refine your search results.
Database searching is both an art and a skill
There is a creative aspect to searching that requires you to come up with words and phrases to help the search engine bring back the best resources that fit your needs.
With practice you improve your searching skills, you will begin to see the similarities between databases and how they work; you develop a sense for what works best in refining a search or how to decipher your search results.
Two primary databases for your time at UNITED
Generally speaking, you will spend much of your research time while at UNITED working in the following databases. These are not the only ones available to you and knowing which database is most appropriate for your particular subject interest is part of challenge of good research.
For scholarly, academic articles, essays, book chapters, and reviews:
For eBooks and a wide range of other electronic resources (articles, media, etc.):
DTL2 -- The Digital Theological Library
To explore other possible databases: