This document provides guidance on using databases versus search engines for research. It explains that databases contain published scholarly research like journal articles and government publications, while search engines contain general information that may not have been formally published. The document encourages using databases for college-level research since they contain peer-reviewed articles and other vetted sources, while search engines can be a starting point for gathering information. Key features of databases are described, like advanced search options, saving and sharing tools, and limiting searches to peer-reviewed results. The document also covers evaluating search results and determining if full-text access is available.

1. Databases & Sources
Learning outcomes:
• Search the library OPAC, article databases, and
websites fluently.
• Identify types of materials (journals, government
publications, books, websites) that may be used to
complete the research.
• Examine and compare information found in
books, articles, and websites, and evaluate for use.
LIBR 250, Section1
Winter 2013 / Terrones

2. Databases: Information “warehouses” that contain
journal, magazine, newspaper articles, and other documents you can use for
your university research assignments. Accessible from campus and off-
campus!
Search Engines Vs. Databases … Which one should I use, when?
http://bastyr.libguides.com/content.php?pid=384087&sid=3148399
“Being an efficient searcher means knowing when to
use what tool. Most published research studies are
protected by copyright and are not available in full text
via the Web.” (Bastyr U. Library Tutorial, 2012)
Bastyr University Library tutorial http://bastyr.libguides.com/content.php?pid=384087&sid=3148399

3. Compare the Difference
Search Engines Library Databases
Contains news articles, current Contains published scholar
info on many topics, open research studies, journal
authorship, & info that hasn't articles (full text and/or article
been formally published. Much abstracts), theses and
of the access is free dissertations, conference
proceedings. Paid subscription
*Use for a quick reference, and access.
as a starting point or info
gathering. *Use for college level research.

4. LMU Library,(2012) Why use the library? http://libguides.lmu.edu/content.php?pid=10084&sid=463217

5. Sources
Peer reviewed
articles, magazines, newspapers, websites, refe
rence sources… What’s the difference?

6. Sources
Reference
Background info, definitions, context, understanding concepts,
statistics
Newspaper & Magazine
articles
Current events, people stories, aimed for general audience,
captures history
Scholarly (peer-
reviewed) articles
Academic, scholarly, in-depth analysis, original research written
by experts in the field, peer-reviewed articles, bibliographies
Books & DVDs
Background, historical context, and in-depth information about
your topic, chapters on a topic

7. Searching Databases
Databases will look different but they contain
similar features:
Advanced search boxes
Save, Print, Email, Citing, Export to RefWorks
Limit by Peer-Reviewed. Limit by Date Range.
Click Find It! to get Full-Text articles.
Evaluate your hits! Do they “fit?”
*Tip: Keyword searching > then use synonyms > then
use subject headings to

8. Search boxes for entering
keywords.

9. Print, save, email, ex
port citation tools …
most databases have
these features.

10. Peer Reviewed: Professors often ask you to use scholarly
(also called "peer-reviewed") articles. Peer-reviewed means the articles are
academic and have been refereed by experts in the article’s field of study.
Boolean Search
& key concepts
Peer Reviewed
articles
Do we have the
article?

11. Evaluate Results
Examine the first page of results.
Do any articles “fit” or relate to your topic?
Identify keywords or concepts from these articles
to further narrow your search.
Try different searches and compare.
Think about your question. Does it need revision?

12. Article Availability
Do we have the
article?
PDF & HTML
Full Text

13. Article Availability
Sometimes your article may
be available in another
database where you can get it
in full-text.
When we do not have
immediate access, you
can request articles via
Interlibrary Loan.

14. Sample Article
Do we have the Title
article? Author(s)
Journal, Date, Volume, Pages Tools
Subject Terms
Abstract
Is there a summary of the article? (Tip: Look for the Abstract.) If yes, read the abstract and write
down information that can be useful in answering the research question.