Search Basics: Selecting a Database or Search Engine
Different types of information require different access tools. A database is typically an online resource the contains or houses a collection of sources. Web search engines are the most commonly known but a library catalog and article database are also examples. Selecting a database that matches the type of information you need is a key step in finding relevant information.
Search engines are the computer programs used in databases and on the Internet to search for records that match your search terms. In a catalog or article database, these engines search specified fields (author, title, subject headings, etc.) of each record in the database. Free web search engines use robots and spiders to crawl about the web gathering URLs, text in the document, and page titles.
Some important elements to consider in selecting a database include:
- Subject
area
Choose a database or search engine that contains published research in the subject area of your topic. How broadly or narrowly you approach the topic will influence which database you search. (See examples) - Level
or depth of material
Some databases contain primarily popular or introductory level materials, while others focus on scholarly or technical papers.
- Time
period
When choosing a database, determine if you need information that was published recently or during a historical time period. Different databases provide access to resources from different time periods.
- Scope
/ depth of sources
Is it more important for you to search a database that is large and comprehensive or small and specific to a discipline?
- Type
of information source
Many databases have specific source types such as books, newspaper articles, or conference proceedings. Choose a database that matches the types of sources you need.
- Interface
functions & search capabilities
Interface features affect your ability to extract certain types of information, create sophisticated searches, or manage your search results.
Examples: Determining Database by Subject Area
General topic area: drug abuse
| Possible Focus Area | Relevant Subject Discipline | Possible Database |
| Treatment of drug abusers | Psychology; Social Work | Family & Society Studies Worldwide PsycINFO Social Sciences Abstracts |
| Physiological effects on the body | Medicine; Biology; Biochemistry | General Science Full Text Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition CINAHL |
| Economic policy issues | Economics | Business Source Premiere ABI/Inform Global Access EconLit |
| Government policy issues | Political Science; Government | CQ Public Affairs Collection GPO Access |