Differences Between Search Engines and Library Databases
|
Search Engines |
Library Databases |
Review process |
None – anyone can add content to the Web. |
Checked for accuracy by publishers. Chosen by your college’s library. Includes “peer-reviewed” scholarly articles. |
How often updated |
Unknown/varies. |
Regularly – daily, qrtrly, mthly. |
Cost |
“Free” but some of the info you may need for your assignment requires a fee. |
Library has paid for you to access these databases. |
Availability |
Websites come and go. |
Stable. |
Search capabilities |
Keyword searching. |
Search by keywords in specific fields such as author, title, and text. Search by subject headings and descriptors. |
Search results |
Sometimes ‘pages-upon- pages’ of hits. Difficult to narrow the results. |
Fewer hits with the opportunity to narrow the results even further. |
Uses |
Quick look-up (phone #s, addresses). |
Should be one of your first stops for any academic research assignment. Great source for biographical, statistical, and background info. |
Tip #1: |
Visit sites sponsored by known organizations such as the U.S. Government (.gov). Also, sites recommended by professors, librarians, and other knowledgeable sources. | |
Tip #2: |
Verify what you’ve found on a website with another source. | |
Tip #3: |
Make sure your professor will accept information from a website for your assignment. | |
Tip #4: |
Whether you use a website or library database, be sure to evaluate the source. | |
2007-08, MxCC Library