Databases vs. the Web
Databases vs. Websites: What's the difference?
What is a Library Database?
- Library databases contain information from published works. Examples: Magazine and newspaper articles, encyclopedias and other reference books.
- Library databases are searchable. By Keywords, Subject, Author, Magazine Title, Date, etc.
- Library databases provide citation information. Author, if available, Title of Article, Publication (Title of Magazine, Newspaper, or Reference Book), Publisher, Date of Publication
- Library databases often contain full-text articles. You can print or email an entire article.
- Library databases do not have advertisements. Because database providers are a subscription service, there are no distracting images, videos or text.
How is a library database different from the Web?
Library databases | Websites |
Library databases get their information from professionals or experts in the field. | Websites may be written by anyone regardless of expertise. |
Library databases contain published works where facts are checked. | Website content is not necessarily checked by an expert. |
Library databases are easy to cite in a bibliography and may create the citation for you. | Websites often don't provide the information necessary to create a complete citation. |
Library databases can help you narrow your topic or suggest related subjects. | Websites often aren't organized to support a student's research needs. |
Library databases are updated frequently and include the date of publication. | Websites may not indicate when a page is updated. |
Questions to ask about ANY information
Currency: How recent is the information, and when was it last updated?
Organization: Is it easy to locate the information you need?
Accuracy: How reliable is the information, and are the facts accurate?
Bibliography: How easy is the work to cite in a bibliography? Does it give you the author, title, publisher, and date?
Unfamiliar Topics: How useful is it when you don't know where to start?
Any source, whether a library database or website, can have good information.
It is necessary to think critically of all information that you read or view.
(borrowed from the Hennepin County Library)