​How is using library databases different from searching the Internet?
The library's subscription databases contain information taken from published works, such as encyclopedia articles, academic journals and magazine/newspaper articles.
 
What are the advantages to using databases over general websites?
 
Information in databases
  • is published by professionals or experts in their field,
  • goes through an editorial process to check facts,
  • is easy to cite in a paper and usually provides the citation for you,
  • can help you focus your topic or suggest related subjects, and 
  • is updated frequently, often daily, and displays the date of publication.
 
Databases
  
Academic Search Complete Journal articles from humanities, science, education, and more
American Slavery
 Life histories of former American slaves taken from interviews
Biography Reference Center
 Comprehensive collection of biographical info on more than 461,000 people throughout history
CAMIO (Art Images) A huge collection of art images
CQ Researcher In-depth reporting on some of the most current and controversial issues of the day
CultureGrams Information on over 190 countries and all 50 states
eBooks on EBSCOhost Cliff's Notes and literature resources
Faber Poetry Library A collection of some of the most influential poets of the twentieth century
Funk and Wagnall’s Encyclopedia A basic encyclopedia and a good starting place
Gale Virtual Reference Library Resources for EVERYTHING!
GreenFile Includes articles focusing on the relationship between human beings and the environment, with topics such as global warming, recycling, and alternate fuel sources.
Health Source: Consumer Edition Info on many topics, like general health, nutrition, drugs, and medical conditions
Learning Express Library Online practice tests and tutorials covering many academic and licensing exams
Literary Reference Center Plus Critical analysis and biographies of more than 2000 authors and their works
MAS Complete - School Edition General reference material and magazine and newspaper articles for students
MasterFile Complete Articles from journals, popular magazines, and newspapers
Middle Search Plus General reference materials and magazine articles for students
Military and Government Collection Current news and analysis about all branches of the military and government
Newspaper Source Plus Articles from major newspapers, as well as TV and radio transcripts
North American Women’s Letters and Diaries Documents depicting the personal experiences of women from the 1600s to 1950
NoveList Plus Readers' service that helps readers find books based on their preferences
Points of View Reference Center Current event topics- the facts as well as the arguments from varied perspectives
Science Online Presents scientific disciplines through extensive definitions, essays, and experiments
Transparent Language Online Online language learning program featuring 80+ languages. Create your account at any Wake County Public Library. Then you can access this program elsewhere.
​Wall Street Journal ​Full-text articles from 1984 to the present