6.10  Other Databases

For more in-depth and scholarly research in your area of interest, a subject specialized database will be a critical resource. 

Think of Academic Search Premier as a department store, and the specialized databases as specialty stores like Record Town or The Gap. For example, if you are researching genetic engineering for your biology class, you might want to try BIOSIS.

There are specialized databases for all disciplines.

Some of the popular choices include:

Research Subject Guides

The best way to find a relevant database is to use the Research Subject Guides from the library homepage.  The guide for each subject includes descriptions of each database to help you make your selection.

Search options vary by database. Most offer keyword searching on the main screen, which is usually a good place to begin.

Central Search

Each Research Subject Guide includes a link to Central Search.  This is a federated search system that will run simple searches through several databases at one time.  To use it:

• Select the databases you want to search
• Type in your search terms
• Select the field limits, if any, for each term
• Click search

You can sort the results by date, title, author, or source (database).  You can also show or hide the search summary which lists the number of items from each source.

To see if an article is available, click on "See if in Penfield Library or online" for the desired article.