Conducting Effective Searches

What are research databases?

A database is a searchable collection of information. A research database is where you find journal, magazine, and newspaper articles organized by a specific subject. Each database contains thousands of articles published in many different journals, allowing you find relevant articles faster than you would by searching individual journals.

Why should you search in research databases?

Research databases give you access to trustworthy, scholarly articles that are not available for free on the web.

Which research databases should you search in?

• Choose research databases that cover the field in which you are doing research
  • For example, if you are researching the topic of business ethics, start with a business database like Business Source Premier or Proquest One Business
• Find the research databases on Bethel University Library webpage
  • You can find a research database by name or by subject