Any collection of data, or information, that is specially organized for rapid search and retrieval by a computer.
Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica
A library database is a digital collection of resources like journal articles, eBooks, newspapers, magazines, images, and videos. Colleges and universities subscribe to these databases so students, faculty, and staff can access high-quality information that’s often not freely available online.
Many databases focus on specific subjects or types of content, which makes it easier to find information that’s relevant to your research. For example, some databases specialize in science, history, or literature.
Library databases usually include advanced search tools that let you narrow your results by date, topic, language, or type of publication. They also often include citation tools to help you correctly reference the sources you use in your papers.
In short, library databases are powerful tools that help you find reliable, academic sources for your assignments and research projects—all in one organized place.
Visit our Primo Research Guide if you have any questions.
When you're beginning a research project, start by searching in Primo to get a general overview of what's available. Once you have a sense of your topic, move on to subject-specific databases—these are great for finding more detailed and focused information.
To make your searches more effective, try using Boolean operators:
Start with a broad search and then narrow it down as you learn more. If you already have a general idea of your topic, use a wide keyword and then adjust based on what you find.
Pay attention to the keywords and subject terms in the articles you read. These can help you come up with better search terms. If you're getting too many results, try adding more specific words to your search.
To search for an exact phrase, put it in quotation marks. For example, searching for "social media addiction" will find that exact phrase, not just the individual words.
If you're reading a long article, e-book, or webpage and want to find something quickly, press CTRL + F (or Command + F on a Mac). This opens a search box that lets you find specific words or phrases in the document.
Finally, remember to keep your writing clear, formal, and informative when working on research assignments. Good research is not just about finding information—it's about communicating it well.
If you need more, check our advanced guide to Database Search Tips.
