General databases usually include a wide range of topics and/or types of documents. Use general databases for background, overview, and state-of-the-art information about your topic. A general database is also a good way to begin your research. Some examples of general databases are:
Academic Search Complete
Academic Onefile
Subject-specific databases focus on a single academic discipline or a group of related disciplines. While they cover more specific topics within their subject area, they do not include the broad range of topics common to general databases. Xtreme Subject Guides have listings of highly recommended and recommended subject databases for in-depth, subject-specific information. Some examples of subject-specific databases are:
Art Abstracts (art)
Biological Abstracts (biology and other life sciences)
Business Source Complete (business)
CINAHL (nursing and allied health)
PsycINFO (psychology)
Sociological Abstracts (sociology)
Suggestions for finding appropriate databases for your research:
Click the Articles and Databases tab on the library homepage.(example)).
If you know what database you want to search, select it from the A to Z Quick Links (example).
Select your subject from Database Guides. (example).
Click on the link to Xtreme Subject Guides from the Welcome tab on the library's homepage. (example). Select your subject and then select Database Guide (video clip).
Check also for the years covered. The time span covered in databases varies. For example, ERIC covers 1966 to the present and PsycINFO from 1887 to the present.
Contact the librarian on duty at the IRC Desk (513 745-4808 or Ask a Librarian).
