(aka Periodical Indexes)

Library databases allow you to search for citations to articles in popular magazines and scholarly journals. Sometimes these databases have the complete or "full text" of articles as well. Databases cover all sorts of subjects. If you start with a general, or multidisciplinary, database you will find articles about new trends, opinions, and information for the non-specialist. You may be familiar with the multidisciplinary database, Academic Search Elite (EbscoHost). Databases are one of the best sources to use when writing a research paper.

Where do you find these databases? Good question. Often,libraries purchase databases and allow their community to use them over the Web. To figure out what databases are available from the Peirce College Library, look at the Library's webpage and click on the "databases" link. You can also ask a librarian. (Don't worry, you aren't bothering them.)

Databases are one of the best places to find information

• you can access many of them through the Web
• they index information which has gone through an editorial review process
• they cover a variety of subjects
• they are structured for finding information more precisely
• they offer citations to the popular magazines and scholarly journals that have articles on your topic

In Module Two you will learn more about choosing and searching periodical indexes.
Mastering these skills will make research easier.