What's a database?
A database is an intentional, organized collection of data that can be efficiently retrieved. In libraries, you usually think of article databases, (but there are also databases of videos, art, statistics, etc).
BUILD A DATABASE SEARCH
Advanced Search for best results! Like this:
Searching: Academic Search Complete
Box 1 You may want to begin by searching a broad topic.
Then browse results to find one or more relevant articles that interest you. What terms does the database use to describe these articles in their subjects or abstracts? What are related words? You may want to modify your search as you find better or different terms.
AND Box 2 Focus your search using a second box with additional keywords. You may string similar words together in the box using OR between the words. Also, refine using limiters in the left-side menu – date, scholarly/peer-reviewed journals, subject and others.
AND Box 3 You may want to narrow further. One way to search multiple terms at once is by using the *. Psychol* will find articles including words that begin with psychol, like psychology and psychological, etc.
Find It
In your list of database search results, some citations will not include the full text of the article.
When that happens, in most Dalton State databases you will see a tool called 
to help you access the full text of articles.
The button will link you to the articles if they are available in other DSC library databases.
If that doesn't help, look to see if there is an icon indicating
. This is an icon meaning the article can be found free, on the web.
- Interlibrary LoanIf our collection doesn't include the article you want, you may request it from another library. You tell us what you want and we'll find out who has it and ask for a copy--usually for free.
Find & Select Information
Finding Articles
GENERAL DATABASES
- GALILEOAll of these databases are part of the GALILEO collection.
- Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new windowA multi-disciplinary database, including full-text to more than 5,100 peer-reviewed journals. Indexes and abstracts 10,600 publications including monographs, reports, conference proceedings, etc.
- Research Library (ProQuest)Search from a highly-respected, diversified mix of scholarly journals, professional and trade publications, and magazines covering over 150 subjects and topics.
- Opposing Viewpoints Resource CenterA source for information on social issues. Access viewpoint articles (many have a BIAS), topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to websites, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles.
- Films on DemandOver 17,000 professional quality educational videos covering all disciplines. Users can customize video clips.
GALILEO: All Roberts Library Databases
Evaluate Information
(Thanks to our friends at the Western Libraries, Western University)
Current-When was the info published / updated / revised? Is it out of date? Does date matter?
Relevant-Is the info related and relevant to your topic? Is it superficial? Is it at an appropriate level for you and your readers? Is it focused, too narrow, too broad, off on a tangent?
Authoritative-Who are the authors/editors/publishers/sponsors? What is the author's expertise? Is this peer-reviewed or scholarly?
Accurate-and verifiable. Where does the info come from? Is there a bibliography or works cited list? What types of materials are in the list?
Purpose-and objectivity. Was this info created to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade? Is the info fact, opinion, propaganda? Is the author/publisher biased? Are biases stated?
Citing Sources MLA8
As you do your research, keep track of the sources you like and use! E-mail articles and citations to yourself and keep them in a folder in your mailbox.