Skip to Main Content

Library Essentials Tutorial

Accessing Library Databases

The library's individual databases are organized by subject area, making it easy to find resources for your field of study. 

To access databases:

Step 1: Click the "Databases" button on the library homepage (located directly below QuickSearch)

Step 2: Select the subject area from the page that best fits your research paper/project topics. 

Step 3: Browse databases for your subject (listed alphabetically with descriptions)

Best Bets! Databases

At the top of each subject page, you'll see a highlighted "Best Bets!" section. These are the most comprehensive and commonly used databases for that subject.

New to database searching? Start with the Best Bets for your subject - they're excellent starting points for most research topics.

 

QuickSearch vs Individual Databases : QuickSearch Limitations

QuickSearch's main advantage is searching most library resources at once. This convenience seems perfect for any research project, but it has important limitations:

Limitation 1: Not Comprehensive

Several resource collections and databases are excluded from QuickSearch.

Limitation 2: Can Be Overwhelming

QuickSearch's broad reach often generates too many results, making it difficult to find relevant articles.

Example: Searching for peer-reviewed articles: "social media" AND "mental health" AND "students"

  • QuickSearch: 9,850 results

  • APA PsycInfo (psychology database): 673 results

The focused database provides more manageable, relevant results.

Limitation 3: Less Efficient for Specialized Needs

Specialized databases save time when you need specific types of information. For example: 

  • Business students who need business case studies should first go to Business Source Premier rather than QuickSearch

  • Chemistry students looking for information on a chemical compound should go straight to the SciFinder database instead of QuickSearch

  • Political science students in need of legal primary sources should go to HeinOnline instead of the QuickSearch

When to Use Which Tool - Recommendations

Use QuickSearch when:

  • Starting research and exploring a topic

  • Unsure which database to use

  • Need a broad overview

Use subject databases when:

  • You know your discipline/subject area

  • Need focused, specialized results

  • Working on specific, complex research

Best practice: Many students use both! You can start with QuickSearch to explore, then move to subject databases for in-depth research.

Accessibility