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What is a database, and why would you want to use databases?

What is a Database

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What is a database?? A database is "A collection of information organized in such a way that a computer program can quickly select desired pieces of data. You can think of a database as an electronic filing system" (University of Toledo Computer Science and Engineering Glossary, nd.).

So, if you want to find information on a certain topic, you can do a keyword search to find the related "files", or in this case, most likely articles.

You likely use databases all of the time, such as Google, or online shopping websites, but don't even realize that a database is what you're using.

The Databases by Major option is a quick route to find databases for your research!

Databases by Major

Why Bother with Library Databases?

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  1. Most of what you find on Google isn't scholarly.
  2. When you do find something scholarly on Google, the site often asks you to pay for it.
  3. You should never have to pay for content.  That's what the library is for!

Image credit: Everson, B. (2012). Why? [photo]. CC. Image link.