Or...why can’t I just Google the same information?
Most of the information found by using internet search engines like Google is free; while most subscribed information is NOT available via Google.
Library databases contain copyrighted, licensed, and proprietary information. Ascension Wisconsin Library Services pays for access to databases so that employees can access the information "for free."
Importantly, most information retrieved from Google hasn't been evaluated. It could be inaccurate, biased, or of questionable age/currency. On the other hand, discipline-specific experts and publishers have already evaluated articles found in the library databases for accuracy and credibility.
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Databases vs Search Engines
Databases
What is a database?
- A library database is an organized collection of electronic information that allows a user to search for a particular topic, article, or book in a variety of ways (e.g., keyword, subject, author, title). Some databases contain the full-text of articles from journals, magazines, and newspapers, as well as books.
Why use a database?
- Reliable - Many articles found in library databases have undergone a peer review process and are generally more reliable than information found on the Internet. Additionally, databases provide all the information you need to evaluate a source for credibility (such as author name, publication details, and a summary).
- Relevant - Library databases allow you to customize your search to get the most relevant results. You can search using keywords, discipline-specific terminology, subject headings, and descriptors. You can also search by author, title, and limit your results using various criteria (date, source type, etc.).
- Accessible - Databases often provide access to the full-text of an article so you do not need to go to the library to retrieve it in person. Additionally, databases access is purchased by libraries for its patrons which allows you to access otherwise pricey information at no charge.
Search Engines
What is a search engine?
- A search engine, such as Google, uses computer algorithms to search the Internet and identify items that match the characters and keywords entered by a user.
Why use a search engine?
- Search engines are useful for finding information produced by governments, organizations, groups, and individuals. Examples of reliable information found through a search engine include freely available statistics published by a government agency or a freely available article published by a reputable news outlet.
- Note: It is more challenging to narrow results effectively, find relevant material, and assess the legitimacy of information in your search results when using a search engine.
When to use a search engine and when to use use a database?
- It depends on what type of information you are hoping to find and how you plan to use it. If you want credible, scholarly articles, you will have more success finding relevant sources in a library database free of charge. If you have incomplete information, you may want to search Google Scholar as the algorithm is more fine-tuned than PubMed, etc. If you want census data, it is more efficient to find that through a search engine that guides you to the appropriate government website.