Databases

Academic research relies heavily on the use of databases to identify key research in a particular subject area. Databases are produced by different commercial publishers and provide access to articles from scholarly journals, trade journals, magazines and newspapers. Databases also link to conference proceedings, book reviews and many other sources of information.

Databases differ in terms of their look and feel, but all databases have some common features. These include:

  • One or more search boxes
  • Ability to use Boolean connectors (AND, OR, NOT)
  • Options to limit searches by publication year or type of publication or subject area
  • Ability to mark, save and export article citations

Viewing the Cornell Libraries' LibWizard tutorial on How to Use Search Terms is highly recommended before you begin your database searching.

You can also use the HELP links in each database to learn more about how to search for articles and how to filter results.

Accessing Cornell Libraries Databases

Cornell subscribes to over 700 databases.

They can be accessed directly from the Database link on the Cornell University Libraries main website page.

search box on library home page with database link

 

Suggested Databases to Use for this Course

Databases on the Cornell Libraries' website are sorted by subject area. Those listed under the Science and Technology section will be most useful for this course. Explore these databases as you start your research.