What is a Database?

A database contains an organized collection of information that users can search in various ways. Library databases contain information such as:

  • Articles from newspapers, magazines, peer-reviewed journals, and other sources
  • Video and other media
  • Reference sources such as encyclopedias and dictionaries
  • Ebooks and online books

The J.D. McKean Library at ORU subscribes to over 190 databases full of articles, eBooks, videos, and other media. Many of the sources are peer-reviewed before publication or are evaluated for accuracy. Because library databases are organized by subject, title, author, publication, and material type, you can easily find the resources you need for your assignments and research.

How Do I Access Library Databases?

Visit the opens new windowlibrary website homepage to find databases. From the homepage, select the Databases dropdown menu. If you know the name, you can type in a specific database or choose the opens new windowDatabases & Electronic Resources link to see an A-Z list of library databases.

database

You can access library databases both on- and off-campus. When off-campus, you will be prompted to log in with your opens new windowSingle Sign-On credentials. For more tips on logging in or troubleshooting, see our opens new windowguide on accessing library resources from off-campus.

How Do I Choose a Database to Use?

Databases by Subject – Some databases cover opens new windowmultiple subject areas. Other databases focus on a particular subject or discipline. You can use the “Choose a Subject” dropdown menu from the opens new windowDatabases page to view only databases on a specific subject, such as Theology & Ministry, Nursing, Business, and many more.

Library Research Guides – ORU Librarians have created opens new windowresearch guides on many topics, courses, and majors. Each guide has suggested databases for that discipline, often with search advice to help you get great results.

What is EagleSearch?

EagleSearch is like a search engine in that it searches the library catalog and many databases at once. EagleSearch can be a helpful place to start when searching for articles, books, or other materials the library offers. As you look at your search results in EagleSearch, you may notice that the articles come from a few particular databases. EagleSearch can provide clues about which databases to try searching for more results. You can access EagleSearch from the opens new windowlibrary website homepage.

Are Database Items Considered Internet Sources?

Articles you find in library databases are part of the library’s collection. The library pays for access to the journals and other sources that our students need for their coursework and research. Unlike an internet search, in the databases, you can specify opens new windowpeer-reviewed or scholarly sources to meet any assignment requirements provided by your professor.

What About Google & Google Scholar?

opens new windowGoogle and Google Scholar can help find resources. However, you must carefully evaluate the information you find for reliability and bias.

Google Scholar is helpful for finding information from government agencies, universities, and non-profit organizations. Google Scholar can help you supplement your library database results. You can also opens new windowconfigure your Google Scholar settings to link to articles in the library databases. Often, Google and Google Scholar will lead you to an article behind a paywall. If you find such an article, check the library databases to see if it is available. If you cannot find it, you can opens new windowask a librarian to help you find the article or similar resources.