Q. How do I choose the best database for my research?

Finding the right database in LSSC's collection is dependent on your topic, your course, and your instructor's directions. You can find databases using the methods below.

Using Subject Guides

• On the Library's home page, select the button for Subject Guides.
• On this page, you’ll find dozens of lists of print and digital resources which have been selected by librarians for various subjects and classes.
• Each of these guides contains a list of best databases for the specific topics and courses.

Using A-Z Databases

• At the top-left of the list open the All Subjects drop-down menu and select the most appropriate subject area for your topic;
• At the top-center of the list open the All Database Types drop-down menu and select the most appropriate type of publication for your topic;
• To read a description of each database and its contents, hover your mouse over the black circle with the letter “I” to the right of the database.

Selecting Specific Databases

The databases below are the best tools of their kind available at LSSC. Consult this list to find the best sources for your information need.

• Academic Search Complete includes thousands of articles on every topic imaginable. This database allows you to narrow searches by date and type of periodical (like newspapers, magazines, and peer-reviewed journals).
• Consumer Reports is an invaluable resource for finding product reviews. This could be useful if you are comparing and contrasting two products in an analytical essay. 
• Films on Demand provides access to short videos, documentaries, and videos by scholars that can be used for research. Another vital feature of Films on Demand is the “core concepts” videos. These resources help students grasp concepts that they may be struggling to learn in class.
• Gale Literature is an essential database for those taking either LIT 2000 or ENC 1102. This database provides students with access to critical articles on thousands of literary works.  
• Grammarly is a grammar checking resource that will catch some errors in a paper. Consulting a tutor or human proof reader is always best, but this tool will help if those are not available. 
• JSTOR is a database that contains only academic journals and scholarly articles. 
• LitFinder is a database that provides free eTexts for many primary literary sources.
• MEDLINE with Full Text is an authoritative medical database which is useful for nursing students.
• New York Times Current and Historical are two separate databases that provide access to articles published in the US's paper of record. In addition to current and historical news, the book and film reviews available through this publication are remarkable. Articles by  Manohla Dargis or A.O. Scott, two elite, contemporary film critics, are essential for any student writing a film review. 
• Opposing Viewpoints in Context is essential for writing a persuasive speech or an argumentative essay. This database contains thousands of articles on controversial topics that showcase all points-of-view. 
• Orlando Sentinel is a good resource for current events or local affairs.
• Sage Journals provides students with a good number of articles from scholarly journals. 
• Statista is a helpful resource for statistics on a large numbers of industries, fields, and topics.

This list was originally created by Jacob Bryant, class of 2020.

Please contact one of our Librarians in person or through our Ask a Librarian if you have questions.