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Why Use A Database?

Search a database to find journal, magazine, or newspaper articles. Some databases also provide access to other materials such as dissertations, book chapters, books, datasets, sound recordings, videos, etc.
  • Some databases have the full text of articles. If not, follow these instructions to figure out if the library has the journal, or call the Research Help Desk at 405-325-4142 for assistance.
  • What if the library does not have a journal article that you need? We can still get it for you via our interlibrary loan service. It's free! And articles often come electronically within a few days. For more information see the interlibrary loan page.
  • If you are interested in browsing a list of LIS journals, see this page.

What is the Difference Between a Popular and Scholarly Source?

If you are not familiar with scholarly publications, it can be difficult to tell the difference between scholarly and popular periodicals. There are no definitive rules for distinguishing between the two, but here are some guidelines:

Scholarly (e.g., academic journals):

  • Are written by professionals within an academic field or discipline.
  • Contain research projects, methodology, and theory.
  • Have few, if any, advertisements.
  • Use college-level or specialized vocabulary of the discipline.
  • Include articles with extensive bibliographies, footnotes, or other documentation.
  • Graphics are often tables, charts, and diagrams.
  • Are peer-reviewed or refereed.
    • A simple explanation of peer review: other scholars in the field have evaluated a work. Check a journal's website to see what it says about the peer review or referee process. See this page, for example.
    • NOTE: Even though many databases allow you to limit by peer review, it's not a guarantee that every article so limited will actually be a peer reviewed research article. Peer reviewed journals also contain non peer reviewed content such as book reviews and editorials.

Popular (e.g., magazines, newspapers):

  • Are written by journalists.
  • Contain general news articles written to inform, update, or introduce a new issue.
  • Have many full-color, full-page advertisements.
  • Use a general, non-technical vocabulary.
  • Include articles with little or no documentation.
  • Graphics are often full-color pictures and illustrations.

See this page for more information.

Subject Specific Databases

Library and Information Studies

These databases are hosted by EBSCO. Search them at the same time by clicking "choose databases" once you are in any of them, and then select the other database(s) from the list.

Computer Science

Multidisciplinary Databases

Specialized Databases

These databases are not for finding journal articles. They provide specialized information that various types of librarians frequently use.
Book and Serial Directories and Information
Children's Librarianship
Classification
Technology