Library Database Features
As the video showed, we can use the One Search tool to find many types of resources in the databases our library subscribes to. Below is an example of an article from the database named EBSCO Academic Search Complete that was found by searching One Search.
Although there are many good sources available on the web, there are also advantages to using library databases over the web.
- Access for Free: We can access the library databases for free, unlike on the web when we're sometimes asked to purchase an article (for up to $50!). Don't do that! Always check with your library first because the article might be available in a library database, or the library can get a copy for us through interlibrary loan (ILL).
- Full-text Available: Most library databases provide the full-text of the article in various formats, and allow us to print, email, or save copies of the article. In the image above, the red arrow points to the formats available, and the green arrow shows our options for getting a copy for our records.
- Citations Provided: Many library databases provide a citation for your bibliography, references, or works cited list. In the image above, the blue arrows show where to click to view the citation for the article, and the APA citation for this article.
- Captioned Videos: Videos are usually captioned, making them easier for everyone to use. And video databases also usually provide a citation, as shown by the red arrows in the image below.