Research Databases 101
This guide introduces library databases and how to use them.
The NWACC Library offers a wide selection of over 150 databases for our students. Each database serves a unique purpose, so it's crucial to be selective. They should consider their research needs, such as the type of content required (scholarly articles, statistics, multimedia), coverage, relevance, and user-friendliness. Choosing the right database ensures efficient and reliable research.
- NWACC Library Research GuidesCheck out the librarian's Best Bets! Find the guide for your course, and consult the Find Your Sources page.
- Research Databases A-ZBrowse and connect to all available NWACC Library databases on our A-Z list.
Limit our A-Z Databases list by subject, type of information, or vendor.
- Choosing a Database
With so many library resources available to you online, it can be hard to determine where to begin your research and what sources best suit your needs. In this video, you’ll learn how to determine your assignment’s information need, locate the different types of library databases that are available for your use, and how to identify specific features of a database to determine if it meets your needs.
Examples -- Types of Databases
| Subjects | Types | Vendors |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology | Background research | ABC-CLIO |
| Business | Biography | Credo Reference |
| Communications | Controversial Topics | EBSCO |
| Education | eBooks | Encyclopedia Britannica |
| Fine Arts | General Topics | Gale/Cengage Learning |
| History | News/Newspaper | JSTOR |
| Mathematics | Primary Sources | ProQuest |
| Psychology | Statistics | Salem Press |
| Science | Streaming Video & Audio | Wiley |
Databases to get started
- Academic Search Premier This link opens in a new windowThis scholarly collection offers information in nearly every area of academic study including: computer sciences, engineering, physics, chemistry, language and linguistics, arts & literature, medical sciences, ethnic studies, and many more.
- College (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new windowA basic introduction to a wide array of subjects from history to science too literature and more. Browse by category or search specific documents, criticisms, videos, and other media pertaining to specific subjects, all with the standard Gale interface to help new researchers find and cite source material with ease.
- eBook Collection This link opens in a new windowThere are more than 130,000 eBooks in this collection.
- eLibrary Academic This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
General collection covering a variety of subject areas.
*This is a Traveler resource. The Traveler Statewide Resource project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. - Gale General OneFile This link opens in a new window
Access general interest magazines, newspapers, and ebooks articles covering current events, popular culture, the arts and sciences, sports, hobbies, and more.
- ProQuest Central This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Serves as the central resource for researchers at all levels. Includes scholarly journals, trade publications, magazines, books, newspapers, reports and videos. *This is a Traveler resource. The Traveler Statewide Resource project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
