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Library Research: Understanding Library Databases: Types of databases

Types of Databases

John B. Cade Library provides you with access to both general and subject databases.

 

So what's the difference between general and subject databases?

 

ABOUT GENERAL DATABASES

General databases cover multiple disciplines or a wide range of subjects.

General databases are a helpful start to your research as they give you information about articles from many disciplines(i.e. Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Business). John B. Cade Library subscribes to general databases, such as: 

GENERAL DATABASES AVAILABLE at JOHN B. CADE LIBRARY
RECAP: General databases are good for:
  1. Performing multi-disciplinary searches
  2. Finding information when there is no clear discipline 
  3. Finding information about any general topic
  4. Browsing and starting the search process

 

ABOUT SUBJECT SPECIFIC DATABASES

Subject databases are specialized and cover articles, indexes, news and legal information, and compilations of other information related to a particular subject or discipline.

SUBJECT SPECIFIC DATABASES AVAILABLE AT JOHN B. CADE LIBRARY

RECAP: SUBJECT SPECIFIC DATABASES

Some resources provide content with a specific discipline in mind; these tools typically provide comprehensive coverage of scholarly literature in a defined field.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF DATABASES 

Remember to read the description of the database to determine if it is appropriate for your research topic.

Example of General Databases (CLICK the "i" symbol for a complete description of the database)

Examples of Subject Databases