Library databases collect and index information on defined subject areas, with some overlap between databases. Each database represents a subset of journals focused on a specific information need. To determine the best database to search, categorize your topic into broad subject areas like general/cross-disciplinary, general science education, or engineering & technology as a starting point, then search multiple databases as needed to find the required information.

1. KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS:
Library Databases

2. Library databases collect and index information
based on defined subject areas:
• Each database provides a mix of breadth and depth
• There may be overlap in subject areas
GENERAL and CROSS-DISCIPLINARY
GENERAL SCIENCE EDUCATION
z Each database represents
a subset of journals that
meet a specific information
need. Thus, when fishing for
information on a specific
topic, you must first consider
which pool is most likely to
contain that information.
ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY

3. To determine which database to start with,
categorize your topic into one of these areas.
• You are just looking for a starting point – don’t overthink this
• You may need to search a few different databases to get the info you
need
GENERAL and CROSS-DISCIPLINARY
GENERAL SCIENCE EDUCATION
ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY

4. v
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