Searching Databases
One of the most interesting--and most productive--sources of information is databases. Databases are indexes to information collected from journals, books, scanned documents or artifacts, and many other sources all over the world. Some databases are updated monthly; others are updated weekly, daily, or even hourly, making them some of the most comprehensive and most current source indexes. Our library subscribes to an impressive collection of databases, some of which return full-text articles right to your computer. Others allow you to order a copy of an article by filling out an online form. Once you click the submit button, the library personnel do the work of getting the article and notifying you when it arrives. Some databases return detailed reports on a company--all the financial information plus the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of company executives. Still others archive facsimiles of artifacts ranging from ancient texts to United States Presidential cabinet meeting agendas with handwritten notes! Databases are a rich source of unique, reliable information.

Searching the Library
For some topics, especially those relating to the Internet or the World Wide Web, your best sources will be online. Sometimes, however, the best source is the book sitting on the library shelf. More of those books are being digitized and made available electronically every day, and these digitized versions can be located and accessed through the library's online catalog. Be sure you don't neglect this valuable resource in your research effort!

Know How to Search